COUNCILLOR Robin Evans, of the BNP, claims that Single Regeneration Budget funding has gone to "just the selected few" (Letters, May 16).

This does not tell the truth, and I fully agree with Lord Tony Clarke that we need to keep dispelling the myths by "getting the truth out of issues like funding" (LET, May 15).

For Blackburn with Darwen, the truth of the Single Regeneration Budget is that, for over eight years now, the decisions have been taken by a strong partnership of communities and businesses alongside the council, all working together. The council and the wider partnership have always ensured that decisions are made in a fair and open way.

Examples of projects from the first programme of the Single Regeneration Budget include Darwen Access Point, a creche at Roman Road and landscaping in Shadsworth. Some projects also covered all areas, such as the East Lancashire Moneyline and the Churches Action Furniture Store.

Projects in the second and final programme of SRB funding have also been fairly distributed. Examples include the ball courts in Infirmary and Whitebirk, recreation projects in Shadsworth, housing repairs in Infirmary and small grants to community groups.

The truth for us all is that communities in Darwen, Shadsworth and Infirmary have benefited from regeneration funding, as well as communities in Audley and Queen's Park. There is no 'selected few.'

We have also announced recently the bids we are making for further regeneration funds for the town centres of Blackburn and Darwen.

Although the councillor for the BNP wants to create division, the rest of the council, businesses and communities will continue to work in partnership to benefit all communities.

People won't forget that to get elected the BNP told people lies. We've yet to hear an explanation about the lie that a 'Saddam Hussein' sword-style gate was built in Blackburn. When will that be explained?

COUN BILL TAYLOR, leader, Blackburn with Darwen Council