I READ with interest Jack Straw's comments in respect of the closure of the Burnley A&E and that people's views were psychological'.

Well, both he and Jo Cubbon want to get real,' neither of them are in touch with what is really happening on a day to day basis at either the Burnley or Blackburn Hospitals.

Has Jack Straw tried to either enter or leave the Blackburn Hospital at peak times? I don't think so, it took me 40 minutes to get out of the car park at Blackburn Friday last, let alone then get onto the M65, the journey back home was horrific.

The people of Burnley and to a lesser degree those from Blackburn are quite right to raise their concerns about the travelling time and ultimate treatment that they will receive from Blackburn Royal.

Have Jack Straw or Jo Cubbon ever spent hours waiting for treatment in the emergency and accident department at Blackburn or had their appointment to see a consultant cancelled and re-made five times ultimately, then to see the consultant some 90 minutes after the appointment time? - Well I have.

Jack Straw and Jo Cubbon are so far removed from the grass routes that they haven't a clue what is going on.

D J CHAMBERS.