n I HAVE seen a great deal of change in Worcester in the last 15 to 20 years - indeed, an almost doubling in size of the city.

With this has come a lessening in the community spirit and a polarisation of the local population.

Commuter belt areas like Warndon Villages and St Peter's thrive, while the indigenous and working class areas are to some extent overlooked.

On a visible level this is no more evident than in the council's attitude to sport.

Traditional middle class sports like rugby and cricket thrive, while working class football is kicked into touch.

Would planning permission be given for a badminton court or an aromatherapy centre in the area, or, even parking for the rugby club if they asked? We know a new football stadium is out of the question.

I am aware that a new B&Q superstore will not fit in with this technology corridor image the council wants to promote, yet there is still a need for unskilled jobs in Worcester. Or like the football club, do they hope the unskilled workers will disappear?

M SWIERS, Worcester.