COUNCILLOR Bob Cook’s upbeat letter (HAS, June 6) about the future of Stockton town centre is a breath of fresh air.

I spent a great deal of my leisure time as a young man on Stockton High Street, and I am saddened by the decline I have seen over the decades . I acknowledge that there can be no return to the past, and what needs to be provided has to reflect the times we live in.

Coun Cook exudes confidence that improvement is on the way and there is to be wide consultation. It is a demonstration of real leadership.

I live now in Billingham and I did think that our town centre was to be regenerated, but from what I see it appears to have stalled, but when I see the new Forum I am not downcast because Billingham has not been forgotten.

However, a position statement on the state of the town centre would be most welcome.

Geoffrey Bulmer, Billingham.