EVER since proud Darwen was swallowed up almost 30 years ago in a new local authority based on its bigger neighbour, Blackburn, its people have often felt they and their town have had second-class treatment.

Older residents still sense a loss of identity and complain about Blackburn's acquisition of Darwen's bus fleet and mayoral regalia. Twice since the merger, 'independence' campaigns have emerged -- the latest not being allayed by the council having previously adopted the title "Blackburn with Darwen" for the borough.

Many may dismiss these grumbles as overblown parochial sentiment. But the sense of community and belonging is real and important to all true Darreners.. Yet, the authorities still deliver blows that add to the widespread perception in Darwen that outsiders are out to do down their town.

The latest -- coming soon after it was announced that the controversially-named new Blackburn Services on the M65 would still be called that though they are actually in Darwen -- is hundreds of residents in one of the town's wards being sent electoral forms classing them as living in Lower Darwen which is part of Blackburn.

Rightly, they have taken umbrage. The error is being rectified, but to many it's another instance of Darwen's distinct identity being overlooked. More understanding and thought is needed over such matters.