MY reaction to the closure of the council-owned charity shop in Blackburn (LT, April 16) was shock, disappointment and anger.

That shop has ben used by local charities for over 20 years and there has never been a fire to my knowledge.

We deserve a better explanation than the bland statement given out by the council.

Is it a problem with the wiring? If so, repair it and reopen.

The cost would be small compared to the money lavished on so-called works of art and other expenditure.

If the problem is not with the wiring but simply the premises itself, then surely most of the charity shops in the town will be closing.

It's bureaucracy gone mad and as usual the little man suffers.

A kick in the teeth has been given to many organisations that have come to rely on the revenue raised in that shop.

We worked hard and were grateful to the council for giving us that to raise much needed funds.

A speedy solution to the problem should be found or will the councillors just shrug their collective shoulders and walk away from it?

E M EASTHAM (via email).