I WAS shocked to read the vitriolic letter writ-ten by someone hiding behind the initials A.F and published in the Messenger on September 27.

The Urmston described by the anonymous writer in no way resembles the Urmston that I regularly visit.

Over the last couple of years the town centre has become a more pleasant place with a good mix of shops.

Of course some shops could be improved, but this applies to many other local shopping cen-tres throughout the Great-er Manchester area.

Those responsible for the all round improve-ments should be encour-aged and congratulated for their efforts.

I hope that Cllr Clarke and his colleagues will not be deterred from continuing to work to improve the area.

Judging from the cynical comments A.F makes, this person seems, for whatever reasons, to be totally blind to the very real improvements that have been achieved.

But can we really take seriously the views of someone who chooses to hide behind anonymity.

I B Cooper, Irlam