THE other night, I was travelling through Blackburn and noticed the 'brass ball' lit up in the new Darwen Street area.

Later, as we went to the Library Theatre in Darwen and my granddaughter asked why Darwen's brass ball was not lit and why our Christmas lights were only half lit or broken and where had our tree gone on the market.

Sadly, I could not explain. Then, I read (LET, December 21) that Blackburn has got £220,000 to light up its architecture. What is this telling young Darwen people about the future of their town?

My granddaughter is also a keen sports person and I am afraid that by building the new health centre behind the Leisure Centre, in Darwen, it will restrict the growth of our leisure centre.

As a healthy life is a way of avoiding visits to the health centre, it seems stupid to restrict further growth.

Another point I feel bad about is why Councillor D Smith feels such loyalty for Blackburn, yet represents a Darwen ward.

Would it not be better for him to move to Blackburn and let a die-hard Darwener represent Darwen?

LEN CHANCE (aged 82), Blackburn Road, Darwen.