REGARDING the comments of Mrs A Barker of Darwen not having the shops or goods she wants. She should think herself lucky she is not trying to organise transport to take fifteen elderly ladies to a pantomime in Darwen, being staged only a mile away from their home.

On contacting a "few local firms" for transport to take them there and back, they did not have the decency to call us back. Another local firm said it would not be worth their while.

What would happen if we took that kind of attitude when asked to shop 'locally.' We are trying to give a local firm some custom, not asking for services for free.

We shop in Darwen market and our fruit and vegetables, sweets and chocolates are delivered free and with a smile and our meat comes from our local butchers shop. We also use local tradesmen.

But the attitude that has been taken in trying to get enjoyment once a year for these people that have lived, worked and shopped in Darwen all their lives is a disgrace.

It is the minority that let the rest of us down. On a final note, may they just remember when they are out and about enjoying Christmas festivities, these elderly ladies have missed out on their Christmas treat because "it was not worth someone's while."

Where is the Christmas spirit when you 'shop local?' Can anyone tell me?

SHEENAGH SCOTT (Catering Manager), Moorland View Residential Home, Exchange Street, Darwen.