WITH reference to Stephane Henchoz's denial (LET, December 28) about the slur on Blackburn, perhaps he felt safe in that what he said would be for publication in Switzerland only.

The fact that language schools were referred to (or, rather, the lack of them) would appear to support this.

But since when was a language school regarded as a necessary prerequisite of a good place to live?

Blackburn School of Languages was here in the centre of town long before Mr Henchoz arrived in town and will be here long after he's gone!

A prominent sign announces our presence in Preston New Road and we are listed clearly in the Yellow Pages.

I am writing to Mr Henchoz to invite him to our school so that credit can be given to those individuals and local companies who use our services - many of whom are ardent Rovers supporters.

At the other end of the spectrum, many of the younger children, aged four to 12, who attend our 'La Jolie Ronde' classes to learn Mr Henchoz's native French will also be disappointed by the comments that have been made in the Swiss Press.

So come along, Mr Henchoz, let me open your eyes and please bring the Swiss journalist with you if he dare set foot in town again.

ANNE McCANN, Principal, Blackburn School of Languages, Eldon Place, Preston New Road, Blackburn.

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.