WITH the world recession gaining momentum and deepening day by day; Lowestoft is finding its self seriously struggling to survive, I hate rubbing salt into the wounds of passed problems.

WITH the world recession gaining momentum and deepening day by day; Lowestoft is finding its self seriously struggling to survive, I hate rubbing salt into the wounds of passed problems.

Those problems have; and are today in their own way still playing a major part in the outcomes we are seeing. For well over 5 years local residents around Waveney and in particular the Lowestoft business community have been struck by serious Highway problems, problems which were preventing easy access in and out of the town which clearly has damaged the local economy.

Reports received from a financial and business advisory company; recently stated on national / local television that over the next 12 months, the UK will see many well known high street businesses and major companies fold and disappear due to the economic climate and world recession.

Lowestoft it was stated; could see at least a 19% loss in businesses and if that statement is to be believed; my feeling is no amount of regeneration work is going to help in the short term. We have already seen the demise over the years of many of our major employers.

Now one of our most shocking outcomes to the recession was to hear and see the closure of Woolworths; a large company that is known world wide and was also a major employer and high street shop in both Lowestoft and the UK, clearly this shows that the recession gives no quarter to any business and has given a devastating and crippling blow, one this or any town could well do without.

With the news this week of the proposal that 'Sanyo' intends to close, I was pleased to hear that our MP Bob Blizzard has decided to become involved in negotiations with the management.

I hope that he can pull it off and convince the Japanese owners the value of remaining in this town. Bernard Matthews's has also made the announcement that they intend to cut staff, and what is more depressing; rumours currently doing the rounds seriously suggest that there is more to come with some other major stores in Lowestoft being effected, and this even further exasperates the slowing down of Lowestoft's economy.

The whole community of Waveney / Lowestoft will need to come together and support each other in every possible way; by thinking positively we can pull through this I know we can. Financial help and support from the local Authority must be sought, and made available for both the neediest in our community.

We must also not forget businesses they are the life blood to employment and maintaining the economy of our towns, we desperately need to prevent loosing many more.

So finally my request to the people of Waveney / Lowestoft lets look on the positive issues, lets stop trying to place blame on something we have no control over and instead work closely together to pull us through this economic nightmare.

MALCOLM CHERRY

Oulton Broad