IENJOYED the recent open day of Blackburn Town Hall and took the opportunity to chat with the Mayor and his deputy about the refurbishment in Church Street, which is taking shape nicely.

But I just can't understand why the buildings lower down from Debenham's store -- the former Wine Lodge, Halifax Bank etc -- are not being knocked down to open up Lord Square to Church Street.

If this area is not demolished it will greatly devalue the effort in Church Street.

The Mayor and Deputy Mayor explained that the council does not own the property in Lord Square, but why don't they put a compulsory order on these properties as 90 per cent are empty, or instruct the compan y to refurbish Lord Square.

ALFRED HEYES, St Mary's Gardens, Mellor.