BBC weather girl Heather Stott should be awarded the freedom of the borough for her honest apraisal of Blackburn centre (LET, October 3).

Her words were more apt than any I have read in this newspaper, including those in your Opinion in that day's issue.

I would also ask all supporters of Blackburn's pathetic centre: why is it when you visit Bolton and Preston shops, you appear to see more people you know from Blackburn than when you shop in Blackburn?

WALT MEADOWS, Whalley New Road, Blackburn.