I CAN'T say I'm surprised to learn that people born and bred in Leigh and who love the town have stopped shopping in the centre.

For one reader it was the last straw when she walked into a bargain store and spotted "machine guns and shotguns" on sale among the toys.

On checking her fears I discovered the guns were models, but realistic models at that, and could put the fear of God into anyone if they were pointed at them - if only in devilment.

Notices over the guns say that they will not be sold to anyone under 18, and the shopkeeper assured me that they are only toys and will not hurt anyone. Still I wouldn't like to have one of the plastic pellets shot into my eye.

Joan Bullough tells me she was shocked that such weapons, which are legal, were allowed to be sold openly and was worried by the danger to children.

She said:"I feel it is totally wrong to sell such things on a high street."

Joan is so disillusioned with the town centre, with its addicts and beggars, she has turned her allegiance to the smaller surrounding towns.

She claimed the town centre is so frightening she now spend her cash in Culcheth, "where there are nice shops, a parade, and the people are polite and well mannered", and Atherton, which is also a good centre.

A lot of people are following the same route.

I was disgusted during the week to hear a couple with a young child shouting foul language at each other at the tops of their voices. It also annoys me to see men begging for beer money. It makes you feel sorry for the traders in Leigh. What do you feel about our town centre. Send your views to lrichards@lancashire.newsquest.co.uk or write to me at The Leigh Journal, 44-46, Railway Road, Leigh, WN7 4AT.