I WAS born in Bolton and have lived and worked there for 60 of my 66 years. I am very happy to see how well Bolton Wanderers are doing under the management of Sam Allardyce.

But I stayed in Bolton with family over the festive period, and was appalled to see how very shabby and litter-ridden the town centre had become.

Perhaps the controlling group of the council could liaise with Sam to find out how to manage what should be a beacon town for the North-west.

The appearance of the town will drive away shoppers and visitors. Open as many new shopping centres as you like, but, if the streets and highways are dirty, people will go to live, shop, and invest elsewhere.

I personally have been saddened by the appearance of my home town, and I am sure others will feel the same.

Joan Bradley, Worthing