IN reply to my earlier remarks, Hamish McLean (Letters, May 19) says the people of Darwen are not to blame for the demise of the town, but the council is for not sharing the money out evenly and now, Blackburn is in the black, thanks to Darwen. Ridiculous!

I was stating a fact that Darreners always point the finger at Blackburn when any problems arise in the area -- blaming council policies and funding is the norm.

Let's give the moaning Darreners what they want -- their independence -- before the town becomes a permanent area of Blackburn rather than a separate town.

LEE RICHARDSON, Hawkshaw Bank Road, Blackburn.