WILL Wilmslow ever live down the "fur coats and no knickers" jibe?

This week the area was in the spotlight and under attack for having more money than virtue, and was ranked among the least cultural in the UK.

The first blow came from motor mouth Jeremy Clarkson, who raised the hackles of charity fundraisers.

TV presenter Clarkson hit out at charity stalwarts when he took a swipe at Wilmslow and Alderley Edge in his weekly column in The Times.

It is the second time he has offended inhabitants and once again put his foot in it by spotlighting Wilmslow in an article on integrity.

He challenges the integrity of fundraisers, claiming they benefit more than the charities they support and suggests shallow motives and values afoot.

The attack echoes an onslaught in more recent years by a visiting cleric who described the population as a bunch of "pagans". The curate alleged we were crass, feckless wannabes with blinkered vision and without a second thought for our fellow men.

Sadly, just last month Wilmslow was under the microscope in a national magazine which claimed the area was "vulgar" and among the ten towns most in need of an urgent make-over because of its poor reputation.

Albeit the latest attack was tongue in cheek it drew a rapid response from charity fundraisers quick to defend Wilmslow's honour.

Furious Anna Fern, an events promoter who has raised more than £120,000 for charities by staging the annual Starburst Gala Night hit back at the outburst from Jeremy Clarkson.

"It was clearly unbalanced and very unjust. It does a lot of damage especially at this time of year when many charity functions are taking place," she said.

Contrary to the columnist's claims, she denied lavish feasting took place or that guests were squeezed for extra cash and added that celebrities entertained for free.

"Fundraising events such as the Gala Evening are essential in helping charities achieve their fundraising targets.

"I have other friends and acquaintances in the Cheshire area who, like myself, have raised thousands and thousands of pounds for the local hospice's and cancer charities. These people give 110 per cent to their event and are the very heartbeat and lifeline to the charities they support.

"I slog my guts out for six months organizing these events and spend much of the time trying to persuade people to give us things for free or at reduced cost."

Gaynor Morgan, of Entertainment Today, who is currently organising a charity ball at the Belfry House Hotel, Handforth, for Denise Welch and Tim Healy said: "This is the third year we have run it and so far it has raised about £70,000 for the Weston Spirit Appeal and The Gem Appeal.

"I would say to Jeremy Clarkson come and spend a week with me organising the charity events. See what is involved and see how much is raised and then comment.

"Personally, over the last 10 to 15 years I have raised close to £3 million for charity, which I am very proud of. I will verify that every penny goes to charity."

Sheila Hallas founder of Wilmslow's very own charity, the Combined Charities Christmas Shops, whose efforts have raised almost £3 million, was also rattled.

"He has definitely got it in for Wilmslow and Alderley Edge. He uses Wilmslow and Alderley Edge as shorthand for fur coat and no knickers," she said.

But she pulled her punches: "Up to a point I agree with some of what he says and it is true there are people who spend far too much on getting celebrities rather than sending all money raised to charity."

Sheila added that every penny raised by the CCCS goes to charity. "In 33 years no one has been paid a penny. All the shop charities, in addition to their one hundred per cent return get a share of any profits."

Pam Townsley, spokesman for Wilmslow Wells for Africa was also upset. "He should look at our balance sheet rather than make sweeping statements. It is not only him, television programmes and magazines often have this view of Wilmslow. It is certainly not my perception of the community."

She said that 98.5 per cent raised by Wilmslow Wells for Africa is donated directly to fund water projects in Africa.

Is it time Wilmslow hit back... have your say by writing to the Wilmslow Express, 15, Water Lane, or e mail wilmslowexpress@gmwn.co.uk .