L

EIGH-born Christina Jenkins was upset by a website guide to Leigh and the places in and around the town.

She tells me she realised Leigh was going down the tube but here lies the proof of what others think about our once lovely little town.

I had to look in. The website www.knowhere.co.uk is written by the users and does not make happy reading for those who take such matters seriously.

I took the knocking with a pinch of salt even though in many cases the awful truth, which can hurt, is revealed for all the world to see.

The directory started out as a list of skateboarding venues in the UK and is certainly not a conventional tourist guide.

It features look-up spots, food and events, favourite buildings, demolish it now buildings and the best and worst things among other topics.

Look-up spots, apparently they're where everyone hangs around with their mates dreaming of the time when they can get into pubs or clubs and include the third years' favourite Lilford Park, with the low lifes at the bus station, Penni and Butts parks and Leigh Library.

One contributor to the favourite buildings slot wrote: they've knocked them all down, well nearly. There were loads of great buildings but most have been demolished to make way for housing estates -- there isn't much left of note.

The demolish it now section included Leigh Library, Plank Lane Catholic Club, Toffs and Ruebens, and all of Leigh because it's crap!

Best things suggested included lots of bargain shops and the no 26 bus which goes to Manchester -- and the Bridgewater pub between 1977 and 1986.

Worst things listed drugs and junkies, too many 'scallies', litter and chewing gum covered streets, the way locals talk and how the money seems to be spent on Wigan.

As for shops it states that Leigh is renowned for the lack of high street stores and the plethora of charity shops that make Bradshawgate look bustling first thing in a morning.

As for arts and crafts -- one contributor writes "don't be silly -- oh yeah they sell posters in Woolworths", and there's the Turnpike.

The local papers came in for a bit of stick too, but we have broad shoulders.

Many a true word is spoken in jest, but the whole thing shouldn't be taken too seriously. Pass the cellar.

Your comments would be welcome on lrichards@lancashire.newsquest.co.uk