WHILE Lordshill has many strengths and many people feel that it is a good place to live, it always appears that it has been the forgotten area of Southampton.

It is not as if Lordshill could not put up a good case - Lordshill District Centre is a focus for crime and antisocial behaviour, high levels of low paid and low skilled jobs, high mortality rates for circulatory disease and cancer, public transport issues.

The layout of the estate itself creates fear of crime and safety. The District Shopping Centre needs improvements. It's a disgrace that no help is given to the Lordshill Community Centre after half of it was demolished many years ago.

It really is time that the powers that be stopped overlooking Lordshill. It's a good place to live, but it could be much better.

DON THOMAS, Coxford Labour Party candidate, Southampton.