WE EMIGRATED 14 years ago to Perth in Australia and have enjoyed every minute. Sadly our parents have now become older and unwell so we now have to travel back to Southampton.

Well, what can we say apart from what a mess the place has become with badly maintained roads and parks.

Everywhere you go it’s so overgrown. We were disgusted by the state of St Mary Extra Cemetery – the grass was so overgrown and neglected. How could this be allowed to take place where many have laid their loved ones to rest?

I cannot believe how this once beautiful city has become so run down and dirty, full of beggars and derelict buildings.

We used to be proud to say we were born in Southampton, but not any more.

Jo Gibson

Perth, Western Australia