SOME 42,412 people voted in the Blackburn with Darwen area on Thursday, with the big three pulling in 36,989 (87.2 per cent) of those votes.

In fourth and fifth place though came For Darwen with 2,483 votes (5.9 per cent) and the BNP with 1854 (4.4 per cent).

That's 4,337 people accounting for 10.3 per cent of those who voted who are dissatisfied with what the big three have to offer.

There will be more single or local issue candidates in the future all across Britain, diluting further the support and control of the main parties at local level, unless all of the main parties work harder to become more inclusive.

How long will it be before there is a For Blackburn candidate?

Those elected to represent the people of Darwen and Blackburn have an opportunity to show what can be done by working together for the good of us all.

Let's hope that they take that opportunity, so that those who voted For Darwen or BNP this time around don't feel the need to do so next time.

Edwin Shield, Wythburn Avenue, Blackburn.