TODAY I tried to post a letter at the nearest post box to my place of work (just outside the Postal Order) on Darwen Street. This proved extremely difficult, in fact impossible.

I needed a climbing rope to hoist myself over the metal guards and I was expecting a Roman chariot to come hurtling down the cobbled track (which is being made alongside) at any time. Eventually a passer-by informed me that the box was out of use.

The area already completed looks very nice, but I do think that the money could have been better spent. I only hope that the resident "drinkers" do not choose to take up residence on the benches.

The sculptures we are awaiting have cost a lot of money. I am sure that many Blackburn residents would have been quite happy with some small trees, good for the environment and a pleasant source of shade for both birds and people in the summer.

I cannot see how the pedestrianised area will attract people to Blackburn. What we need are more individual type shops. We seem to have a plethora of card shops, mobile phone suppliers and eating places.

Preston has a much wider range of shops to choose from. Perhaps we need to ask why certain retailers do not want to come to Blackburn but prefer other towns.

Sometimes I get the feeling that Blackburn is the poor relation. I don't know if anyone would agree with me.

MRS OLIVE REAH, Firtrees Drive, Feniscowles, Blackburn.