THERE is only one reason companies such as Boots are opening stores outside the town centre (LET, March 2) and that is parking, or should I say lack of parking.

Blackburn town centre will be a ghost town soon as this head-in-the-sand council forces shoppers to go out of town.

First they build a moat around the town (the ring road). Then they block off the main through way (Church Street).

Why don't they go the whole hog and put gates across Darwen Street Bridge, Eanam and Preston New Road, with signs saying sorry Blackburn is closed to motorists and shoppers and only "art lovers," parking wardens and council officials and town hall staff are allowed in!

L J YATES, Hawkshaw Avenue, Darwen.