IAM a regular shopper in the Blackburn Markets and I am harassed by winos, beggars and drug users, begging for money, nearly every time I go along Market Avenue.

This is unnerving and could be frightening. These people are a blot on the town and not only put shoppers off visiting the markets, but also paint a very bad picture to visitors to the town.

The council is trying to promote the town and improve it, and I must admit are doing a fine job. But, with the winos and the like around, their plans are falling short.

The council should do something to stop these dossers congregating in the town. A by-law like the one applying in Coventry and a number of other towns in England, which makes the drinking of alcohol illegal in the town centre, would go a long way to stopping the problem.

Also the presence of security in the form of guards and closed-circuit TV would give the public more peace of mind when visiting the market.

STEVE MORRIS, Blackburn (address received) .

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