Sir.-Yet again, I have heard our town being spoken of in a derogatory way - this time on Tarrant's Way on ITV.

From a historical point of view, Basingstoke has changed beyond all recognition.

Can we not look at it now with fresh eyes and see just what we do have here?

And what we do have is very positive.

I have lived in this area for 25 years after moving from Kent, and I can honestly say Basingstoke is the nicest place I have ever lived in.

I have previously lived in Canterbury, Maidstone, Deal, Bromley and the Medway towns, which are all very good in their own way.

But Basingstoke is something special now.

I watched the birth of Festival Place through the site hoardings with some amazement - and could not believe the beautiful place that it became.

However, there was not even a glimpse of it in last week's TV programme - only a shot of The Malls.

As the new town centre was being built, I feared that The Malls and the Top of the Town would become a ghost town, but I see them both now as busy and thriving areas.

Yet again, we are honoured to have a flagship development in the new Marks & Spencer store and it has been a privilege to be allowed in as it has all been happening (the staff have been amazing among all the changes and difficulties).

A town is not just shops, it's also people.

And I can say I have found the people of Basingstoke both friendly and generous.

So come on, please don't knock it any more.

We have a town to be proud of.

-Elaine Crick, Town Centre Associate Chaplain.