IN response to Councillor Dave Smith's remarks in "Putting the record straight" (Letters, September 7), I take issue with several of his comments, starting with the belligerent and dismissive way in which he cast aside Alan Vernon's views in an attempt to defend the council-run Church Street project.

This can only be described as one almighty disaster from start to finish.

Secondly, Coun Smith also adopts the position that the cost of the Church Street redevelopment, including the proposed sculptures, did not come from taxpayers' money.

This is not only completely wrong, but also an insult to the intelligence of the public.

Coun Smith says that the sculptures, which cost £241,000, were funded from Europe.

This may be quite true, but where did Europe get the money? Answer: from the contributions made by us to the EU in the first place.

So, please, councillor, do not insult the people of this town any longer, stop spinning your way out of a situation, as has become quite a trait of the Labour Party in recent times.

PAUL McGURTY, Wharfdale Close, Feniscowles, Blackburn.