I WRITE on behalf of the market traders of Blackburn and in response to the letter from Janet Phillips (October 11).

Mrs Phillips makes points about the town centre which appear to be the generally held view of both many residents of the borough and those who visit the town from other areas of the North West.

Regarding the market, it is true that over the last few years, both the numbers of market traders and therefore the range of commodities on offer has declined.

It is clear that Mrs Phillips and many other people are concerned about the future of their town centre and ask what can be done to make it a more vibrant and exciting retail experience.

Surprisingly, the answer is simple - support your market, support your town centre businesses and shop in the town centre on a regular basis.

The many traders Mrs Phillips remembers so fondly have not been forced out,' they have been deserted by people who have chosen to shop elsewhere.

The inevitable consequence of this has been that traders have gone out of business.

If you want a viable and attractive town centre in the future then shop in the town on a regular basis and do it now!

Every trader appreciates the difficulties shoppers face coming into Blackburn and we are grateful to everyone who shops with us - many still do. But those who stay away or are only occasional shoppers are only contributing to the decline they complain of.

A well-supported market attracts more traders, bringing a wider range of goods. A busy town centre attracts more businesses, bringing with them more investment and improving the town.

The future lies in the hands of the public of Blackburn and I hope they will lend their support.

My colleague and I look forward to welcoming you all to the market complex and we all hope that it will be in the very near future.

CHRIS APPLEBY, Chairman, National Market Traders Federation, Blackburn.