I RECENTLY had the misfortune to visit the centre of Bury. What a mistake! I came away feeling dejected, ashamed and totally embarrassed.

My visit really brought home a few truths about this town and, more importantly, its inhabitants.

My first mistake was to park on the council-run car park at the rear of Wilkinson's. I don't think I have ever seen a dirtier, litter-strewn area in my life.

Next it was The Rock, an area that looks unkempt at the best of times. Litter was strewn all over the pavements and in the areas which are someone's idea of flower beds. The tatty old benches were being used by the idle as they ate their takeaways before leaving their rubbish on the seats or under them. Bins were no more than three yards away!

I then ventured into the Mill Gate which was, as usual, reasonably clean but infested with the usual loud-mouthed, uncouth children. This clean environment was, alas, short-lived as I wandered into the Kay Gardens-Interchange areas to be met by more litter.

On my way home I drove down Market Street where, to my horror, I saw half a dozen coaches parked, obviously having brought visitors to visit Bury and our World Famous Market. Oh my word, what must these visitors to our town have thought? They would have witnessed what I had and I don't think they would want to return in a hurry.

This letter isn't a direct criticism of the council cleansing service although it has to be said that I didn't see one operative working in the town centre it is criticism of the inhabitants of Bury. Is it too much to ask people to walk three yards to a bin?

I visit lots of towns around the country and I can safely say that Bury is the pits.

It is time residents took off their rose-tinted spectacles and took a close look at their town. Or better still, visit some other towns and see what civic pride is all about.

ASHAMED NORTHERNER