ST HELENS council has basically stated that the town centre will have very few shops going forward.

This is something I agree with.

The town centre will be a collection of restaurants, bars, residential premises for younger people and independent retailers, all sensible ideas.

Look at Prescot and you will see how this works, on a smaller scale.

But the difference is that Prescot has got an attraction that encourages people to stay overnight.

St Helens does not - so why build a hotel that just isn’t needed?

Whatever arguments people put forward, it’s just plain daft, as is the new bus terminal!

Phil, via sthelensstar.co.uk