So many of our ancient towns and cities have suffered at the hands of architects, town planners, traffic engineers and greedy property developers that it will be no surprise to many to hear that a grandiose £45m transformation of Prescot is scheduled. The area involved includes the town centre and nearby BICC factory site which is presently an industrial wilderness.

Prescot dates back to the year 1178 and so, thankfully, the development will be delayed until archeologists have had an opportunity to search the area for ancient remains. They are specially interested in the area surrounding St Mary's Church and certain other potentially important sites.

A certain history master, known to many of our readers, would have had a field-day. Or would he have shed a tear ? Anybody seen the shambles which has been developed on the site of our St Helens Road buildings? Emigrees are advised to stay away.