ON reading the letter from Councillor John Milburn (Letters, May 29), I must confess to also becoming dispirited, but in my case, it was with the complacency of his response to the constituent who criticised the town of Blackburn.

On the other hand, I do hope that she at least was uplifted to hear of all the good things that have happened to the borough detailed in the list which he sent to her and shared with us.

The change to an "all singing and dancing" unitary authority after being given the green light in 1996 must surely more than compensate for the many derelict and rubbish-strewn sites in the area.

When, followed two years later by the reward of Blackburn with Darwen becoming a 'Beacon Council,' she must feel quite delirious at the sight of so many empty shop premises, which are so often graffiti-covered.

Add to this the Charter Marks awarded to the borough, which, when compared with the chaotic road system, must be all too much for her to cope with.

The reference which the councillor made to the "excellent education and social services" which were being provided and the tremendous strides made in the achievements of schools, resulting from the support received from the authority is nothing to crow about, for it is no more or less than is expected from those who are employed for this very purpose.

So far as being "on the brink of huge rejuvenation," which will make this town the envy of other towns of similar size in the country is concerned, I cannot think where we have been while these other towns have been getting so far ahead of us.

Criticism can be a spur to activity and I hope that people will continue to make their feelings known to members of the council who are charged with, and have a responsibility to make things better and keep ahead of the field, so that we will have a town which every citizen will be proud of, instead of having to play catch up all the time.

K BROWN, Mayfair Crescent, Wilpshire, Blackburn.