Living in Blackburn as I do, with its beautiful parks, lovely new market and shopping centre, not to mention a Premier League football club, I have had no reason to visit Accrington as I have all I need in this great town.

But I was shocked to read Stuart Maconie’s views on our neighbours.

So much so, that I took a drive through Accrington to make up my own mind on its so-called demise.

After 30 minutes I’d seen enough – and I have to say, Mr Maconie’s views were spot on!

The year 1911 sprang to mind more than 2011, but fear not, ye little dwellers of Accrington, it’s not too late.

A lick of paint here and there, a bit of spit and polish in the right places, a little investment and finally get the menfolk to smarten themselves up a bit, and you could be heading in the right direction.

Finally, a word of warning, Accrington: if you don’t pull your socks up, I’m afraid the only way for you is down, which in your case would mean rock bottom.

And if you want to know what it’s like down there, just ask the lovely people of Darwen.

P Astonie, Blackburn.