IT IS nonsense for Martin Callaghan (Letters, October 11) to state that "we are not eligible for single regeneration budget funding in Darwen".

Parts of Darwen were, in fact, included in the SRB (Round One) programme.

An example of the major funding coming to Darwen under that programme was the Eccleshill Link Road which has facilitated new business, development and jobs in our town. Again, Mr Callaghan is incorrect in stating that "there is no government or other funding that can be accessed for Darwen." Within a couple of hundred yards of his home, India Mill has received a £1.4 million government Heritage grant.

Five hundred new jobs have been created.

Less than a quarter of a mile from his house, a superb new £1.5 million school has been built.

A new Sure Start family centre has just opened about a mile from Mr Callaghan's home, costing £1.2 million.

It is also unfair of Mr Callaghan to criticise Councillor Sue Reid and myself for not putting our "constituents first".

He would not know how we represent our constituents as he doesn't even live in the ward we represent.

With respect, it is up to the people in Sunnyhurst Ward to decide if I and Coun Reid are doing a good job for our town.

Since the electorate have voted for a Labour councillor at every election since 1988, I think this illustrates the job we've been doing.

COUNCILLOR DAVE SMITH, (Labour, Sunnyhurst Ward), Avondale Road, Darwen