IN most books on the history of Warrington you will find reference to the Packet House Inn situated on the corner of Bridge Street and Mersey Street, usually accompanied by a photograph telling how prior to the Manchester Ship Canal opening, tickets could be bought there for packet boats operating from Bishop’s wharf and the Black Bear canal.

I remember mainly in the 1950s and 1960s when it was a nice clean place run by a Mr & Mrs Smith.

In later years it was opened several times as a drinking establishment. All seemed to fail and it finally closed down and was boarded up.

Since that time the outer appearance of the building has become dilapidated and at present is a complete eyesore.

This is the first thing visitors set eyes on as they enter the town over Warrington Bridge Foot or on a bus travelling down Bridge Street towards Mersey Street.

Not a very good advertisement for our town.

If there is anyone out there who has any influence in getting it tidied up please do so – the building seems to be dying of shame.

MR AG FROGGATT Grappenhall