DURING the holiday period I took a walk with a visiting relative around Sutton Village. He had not been to the area for some 10 years and made reference to the burnt out property on Junction Lane.

He asked how long it had been left in such a state along with the adjoining wasteland and grassed areas that are unkempt and poorly maintained.

We turned into Peckers Hill Road and he could not believe his eyes when he saw the poor state of repair of the footpaths. In front of the row of shops the litter and discarded rubbish is there for everyone to see.

When he remarked on the two waste bins left outside the late shop that were blocking the footpath I replied that they are in permanent residence and a constant eyesore. The shop fronts, poor footpaths, rubbish in the rear entries, poorly maintained grassed areas and no gates for the alleyways raise security concerns for residents too.Sutton Village should therefore be renamed 'the forgotten village'. St Helens Council should take a long look at themselves and invest the council tax that is paid by the good people of Sutton. They don't seem to mind throwing money at the area around the town hall do they? They should be ashamed .

Kingsley Hayes, Station Road, Sutton