Describing the CBD as '‘filthy and shabby'’ and like a ''third-world country’' is, in my opinion, hardly likely to encourage anyone to shop in the CBD, let alone people planning to visit Gisborne.

I also believe it does not help to have details such as ‘'aggressive'' homeless people scaring people away from town and reduced foot traffic publicised.

CBD businesses, the council and other agencies must attend to such problems with a co-ordinated effort and metaphorically get a new broom.

They should seek to promote positive publicity for Gisborne.

Roger Handford