I WAS born in Blackburn and have lived in and around Blackburn for most of my life. I think the EN magazine is more or less spot on with its current assessment of the town.

My plan for Blackburn would have been to have a proper, well-designed bus station on the old marshalling yards behind the railway station with the main access for buses via Lower Audley and possibly another access via Bridge Street arch (for single-deckers).

After this I would turn the Boulevard into a bright new market area with a single tramline or similar link (suitably cordoned off from the market), dropping off passengers in front of the railway station. This would link up bus, rail and metro-link services with each other. Car parking would be provided on part of the marshalling yards and towards Lower Audley.

On arriving in Blackburn by whatever means, visitors would have immediate access to a lovely modern market, an imposing view of the Cathedral and its grounds, and a metro-tram (or similar) loop offering a frequent continuous service linking strategic points in the town centre.

These could include: King George's Hall, Blackburn College, the Library, Sudell Cross, the Museum, the Shopping Centre, Penny Street, Eanam Wharf, Audley Retail Park, Ice-rink, new B&Q, and the railway station. If these trams (or similar) were every 15 minutes or so at busy times on this kind of circular route, the town would have its own sort of park and ride facility to most parts of the town centre and back to the bus and railway stations and car parking.

Putting a carousel for the children and perhaps an occasional street entertainer in this new market area (as in York, Chester, etc.,) would add more visitor appeal. One of the grim things about Blackburn is the present self-congratulatory leadership.

D SMALLEY, Branch Road, Mellor Brook.