Ken Livingstone and Richard Barnes were absolutely right to say that Southall is in a state of decay ( 'Southall's inner city deprivation' Times, March 7). The area has been going downhill fast for a number of years. To see that, all you have to do is look around. The streets are filthy, litter is left everywhere, the shops are all over the pavements and the people are always shouting at each other.

Lots of the shops and restaurants look tired and run-down and the rising crime levels are seen every day with the forest of yellow police information boards.

I have no idea what Piara Khabra thinks he is achieving by denying the evidence of his eyes.

As Southall MP, of course he is there to support the area, but he won't achieve that by closing his eyes to the facts.

First, accept the state it has been allowed to get into.

Then, do something to improve matters.

Pulak Rakshit

Woodlands Road

Southall