Like the leader of Preston Council, I am ‘in utter disbelief’ that Blackburn with Darwen Council is to continue its opposition to the Tithebarn development.

This same group is about to preside over the closure of Blackburn market – a facility much loved and well used by the voters over many years.

It sells good local produce at reasonable prices, which is ideal in the country’s current state of austerity.

This is to be replaced by a much reduced offering in the Mall with prices raised to match the several-fold rent increases the transferring traders face.

When the market closes, I have no need to visit Blackburn regularly or even at all. Our main shopping area is like so many around the country with the same chains.

Our Marks & Spencer is dowdy and it says something when Burnley boasts the better store!

We have no bookshop. Every time I walk past the site of Val Hall jewellers, I have to listen to my daughters whingeing about its passing.

Even at 12 years of age, they recognise the value of what this business did and can appreciate good, independent traders.

The blame for the state of the ‘retail quarter’ can be laid firmly at the door of Blackburn with Darwen Council. They have mucked around with road systems, parking places and associated charges which has been to the detriment of local voters, visitors and retailers.

I urge them to leave Preston alone. Any council which has a retail vision and ambition that can attract the likes of John Lewis to the area should be applauded.

Name and address supplied.