I DROVE through Newton-le-Willows last week ahead of King Charles III’s Coronation and I have to say the place looked fantastic with all the bunting and union flags flying from businesses.

You could sense the togetherness and collective spirit among the businesses there.

What a contrast when I headed into St Helens on Saturday. Yes, a few pubs and businesses had made an effort and dressed their windows (fair play to them) and others had made an effort.

But, overall I thought the centre of St Helens was a big disappointment and failed to mark the Coronation of King Charles III with any sense of purpose.

That was disappointing, given how well the town centre had looked just a week earlier for the St Helens Borough of Culture celebrations.

Why was there no event in one of the squares over the weekend? There were parties and celebrations in Newton and nearby Leigh.

Who is to blame? Or is there just a general sense of apathy among some businesses and an unwillingness to work together?

Why not take a leaf out of Newton’s book? Judging by their thriving high street, they are doing something right down there.

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