When I think back to the Central News of old, it is all very sad.

I don't know quite where some of the post-90's newsreaders have come from but Central News was on top of the game when it was presented by Bob Warman & Michelle Newman, with Bob Hall or Phil Mepham on sport.

I hate sport, and practically everything I know about it came from Central News, whilst there were no better presenters than Bob Warman & Michelle Newman in the whole of the country, nevermind the Midlands.

I believe that ITV has deliberately "dumbed down" all of it's news programme. Central is by no means unique, indeed, it is far from the worst offender. If you are ever in London, have a look at London Tonight with Alistair Stewart - totally opinionated, in an almost wooden style of delivery. Very odd indeed.

I don't want to know what the newsreaders think about this matter or that, I want the news, read with professionalism and meaningful analysis.

Having said that, Central should bring John Swallow back from retirement. I can just about remember him. His bit at the end was always good-humoured. It's a shame that the whole thing has become little better than the "and finally" segment.

And Police 5, bring back Shaw Taylor!