IT was with disbelief that I read your article on the alleged recent vandalism to the fencing around Darwen Tower (LET, August 29).

As a regular visitor to the tower and the moors, I can say, with complete confidence, that the fencing has been in its present state since before the closure of the moors during the foot and mouth disease crisis.

I would also point out that people have been climbing to the top of the tower for quite some time before and during the closure of the moors for the foot and mouth restrictions.

As a Darwen resident, I look at the tower in its present state with great sadness, as its decline accelerates -- while the engineers continue to roll out excuses.

F FORSHAW, Westland Avenue, Darwen.