CATFORD "crap" town or cool town? This is the debate which has dominated News Shopper's letters page ever since one distinctly unimpressed visitor re-christened Catford as "Crap-ford".

Now council chiefs are fighting back to defend the honour of the "vibrant and diverse" town.

But other catty Catford residents have stuck their claws into the reputation of their "grotty" homeland.

The letter which started the controversy was penned by Canadian Jane Fraser and published in the December 14 edition of News Shopper.

Miss Fraser, from Ontario, was in Catford visiting friends but developed a gloomy impression of the town.

In her damning letter she slammed Catford for its "tacky" shops, "pathetic" indoor market and "chaotic" road system.

She ended by describing it as a "weird town which I will remember as Crap-ford".

Lewisham Council bosses claim Catford has a lot to offer.

The council's head of economic development Ian Soper said: "Catford is an incredibly vibrant and diverse place.

"People are always remarking what a refreshing alternative its bustling markets are to the all-too-common clone high streets."

Deputy mayor Councillor Gavin Moore says the town's prospects have "never been better", with a host of regeneration projects in the pipeline.

These include plans to create a pedestrianised area near the town hall and redevelop the main shopping area.

Catford also now has its own town centre manager, Petra Smith, who has been appointed to oversee the regeneration programme.

In recent years the town has lost two major landmarks the ABC cinema in Bromley Road and the greyhound stadium.

Whitefoot ward councillor Dan Houghton said: "Catford is a great place to live but we are all aware of the gap left by losing the cinema and the dog track.

"The south of the borough can be a bit neglected. We need more money invested in better facilities."

Others are a lot more critical about their town.

Resident Alan Copson, of Brangbourne Road, said: "I suppose there are a few nice pubs and wine bars here but that is about it.

"It is a pretty grotty place really."

Jim Taylor, who has lived in the town for 35 years, added: "I was born and bred here but the place doesn't have much going for it."

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