I WAS reading the article regarding the £25 million cash boost for St Helens, and on reading down the list of aims of the programme, I particularly noticed the statement that there will be new health, sports and cultural facilities provided by the year 2006.

In my opinion the provision of leisure facilities in St Helens is poor in comparison with our neighbouring towns.

Without a doubt, St Helens is a very good shopping town but what else do we have to offer people? We have bingo halls, a 10-pin bowling hall and a few pubs and clubs.

When are we going to have our own cinema complex? A trip to the pictures is a great way to spend some leisure time together for family, friends, couples and singles.

A lot of people are missing out on this basic facility which other towns have managed to provide. So, come on St Helens, give the people what they need.

J. Tipton, Parr (name and address supplied).

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.