I WAS bewildered and amazed to read the recent comments of June Cunningham (Community Association secretary) concerning the Higher Folds estate.

She claims the area is becoming Leigh's equivalent of Moss Side!

She is obviously not aware the problems facing the people of Higher Folds with regard to drugs, vandalism etc. are nationwide problems .

The youth centre was closed down as a result of budget cuts by Wigan MBC. Until its closure this centre was a thriving community asset.

Let's get this matter straight, we will not solve the problems by simply blaming the children of Higher Folds. A full programme of assistance is needed with all parties, parents, councillors, voluntary groups and police coming together to solve the serious problems which affect many areas.

Pennington and Lilford parks used to be problem areas but the now established park user groups have helped solve those problems by bringing people together for a common cause to benefit all.

With a united effort we may be able to attract funding from a number of sources such as the Coalfield Challenge.

But this will not happen if people sit back and condemn local children without knowing or bothering to understand the problems mainly caused by a break down in our society and a lack of funding through the policies of central government.

That is where the criticism should be directed.

Trevor Harrison

Higher Folds Play Association.

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