ALTHOUGH I feel that the recent portrayal in the media of our town was unhelpful from a cultural viewpoint , I did let out a sigh of relief in that we were not shown to be a part of Liverpool.

While it's an old argument with the powers that be , I myself, and I am sure the majority within the town still find it hard to accept "imprisonment " within Merseyside.

Those who argue that "being in Merseyside is good for investment", have got to be kidding.

The facts are there to be seen. Since falling into what is classed as a European poverty zone, we have lost not only major glass companies, but a pharmaceutical giant.

Replacing this has been fast food outlets, end of line stores and pay-and-display car parks.

With this in mind I challenge Mr Woodward and Mr Watts to not only attempt to save current jobs, but to help take us out of Merseyside and stimulate the kind of investment required to create credible employment for future generations in the town.

Ian Barton, Ashfield Crescent, Billinge, Nr St Helens, Lancs