I’m originally from St Helens and moved to the Wigan area in 1968 because of my job.

I drove to Knowsley Road to collect my ticket for the last league game against Castleford as I’ve always remained a staunch Saints fan.

I walked around the town centre for the first time in 40 years.

To say I felt sad is putting it mildly.

The main change is the pedestrian areas.

Some people make like it but I feel it has stripped a lot of character from the town.

Though the Town Hall is still there and the library, I’m told the latter has deteriorated.

The Sephton is also still there though not The Fleece, The Market and the Co-op building where I used to go dancing.

I recall going to the fishing tackle shop on Hardshaw Street for my first “real” tackle as opposed to black cotton, a bent pin as a hook and a cane from Makin’s Shop in Thatto Heath Station.

There was also Jack Barn’s shop where I would buy Billy Eckstine shirts and black ties to go with my charcoal grey suit.

What I see now are banks, building societies, snack bars and shops begging you for gold at a fantastic price!

These shops all look the same. Prefabricated.

Wigan has also had change but has retained most buildings with character.

Mr J Greenall, Wigan