SIR, WITH reference to Lesley Richards' article Leigh Road seems a deserted slum'.

I am a Leigh Road shop owner my premises have been broken into twice in the last six months and my front window has been broken.

It is unfortunate that we have to install shutters for peace of mind and also for insurance purposes although, in your words, "the shops do look tacky and uncared for". Even with decorative bars window glass can still be smashed and costs several hundred pounds to replace. The shopkeepers I know along Leigh Road all work hard at their businesses in very competitive times where supermarkets are taking business away from small retailers in town.

Ms Richards' remarks about the area being off putting doesn't help. I would say shutters are a sign of the times and the council should take some responsibility for brightening the area up as they have done in other parts of Wigan Borough with hanging baskets and planters.

Shop Owner Leigh Road, Leigh.