WHAT a terrible state of affairs when residents of Roman Road estate have to march on the town hall so they can live in decency and with peace of mind.

It would appear that, over the years, this estate has been neglected and the people treated like second class citizens. They have been let down very badly by the people they voted into office in this town.

I have heard all the excuses regarding finance etc. But finance magically became available for worthless showpieces, mini-roundabouts and grants to improve privately owned properties.

Now the estate may be sold off to a housing association who, no doubt, will do a better job than the council ever did.

In the meantime, the least the council can do is to be honest with people and do something about a situation they find themselves in through no fault of their own. I am left wondering just where those smiling heroes were, you know the ones, they call on you every year or so about May time.

Yes, you've guessed, our ward councillors, the ones we elect to fight our cause, the ones you can turn to when your back is against the wall. I am left wondering what part they played in all this.

Did they down mobile phones, switch off their laptops and carry the banner for the people they represent. No, they did not.

Perhaps the people on this estate don't matter that much as far as the vote is concerned. They have been systematically thinned out.

Other estates and housing areas in Blackburn and Darwen take note. It could happen to you.

PETER CASWELL, Harrow Drive, Blackburn.

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.