COUNCILLOR Ashley Whalley (LET, December 21) blames drivers for the confusion caused at the opening of Blackburn's new orbital route.

This is the problem at the moment -- us being ruled, both nationally and locally, by people who class themselves as the only ones with the intelligence to decide things.

Maybe Coun Whalley doesn't want to recognise that there are people out there who are able to think logically.

When there is flak to be thrown, he is at the forefront. But it works both ways and he should be capable of taking it as well.

It is time that he and his advisers admitted that the overall organisation of the orbital route has not been run as well as he stated.

Regarding the siting of traffic lights at High Audley, as opposed to the dual roundabouts, traffic does not appear to flow any better. In fact, some I have spoken to say the flow is worse.

What has happened to the traffic lights installed at Copy Nook? The traffic seems to run better with them switched off.

These are white elephants that have wasted a lot of money which could have been put to better use

Statements have been thrown around that traders have not been hit hard, but have been refuted by many of them. My wife and I normally shop at Asda in Blackburn, but have found it easier to go to Bolton, Bamber Bridge and Whittle-le-Woods to shop.

I am certain that we are not the only ones to do so and, like us, may continue to visit towns which apparently like to look after people who go to shop there.

MR B WHITE, Risedale Grove, Blackburn.