IF what happened to Darwen after being taken over by Blackburn is an example of being ruled by Blackburn, then I fear for the rest of East Lancashire if they are ruled from Blackburn.

Within two years of Blackburn taking over our council taxes had doubled and our services had deteriorated. The people of Darwen are still paying for the past mistakes of those who ruled Blackburn.

TREVOR DEWSE, Earls Drive, Hoddlesden, Darwen.