IN response to Sam Spence's letter (LET, November 9), I fully agree with the first part of his letter relating to the council awarding itself Excellence for this, First Class for that, Council of the Decade etc. If this carries on we will begin to look like a Banana Republic.

I do however strongly disagree with Sam's opinion that we live in a Black Bag City. Yes, there is a bit of grot here and there, and yes there are some rats in some localities, but these are not sufficient reasons to pull our town to bits.

Blackburn is a grand little town. The faults complained about can be rectified. Blackburn has been going through a difficult phase, due mainly to the refurbishment, alterations and reconstructions in the town, but if we all pull together we Blackburnians can look forward to a cleaner, brighter and more prosperous future for our town.

I have some good news for Sam, who like me, lives in Bank Top. Only this week I have seen the council's provisional plans for Bank Top, and I have to say that from a residents' point of view, they are superb.

The rolling scheme will revitalise the whole area. The council's planners and architects have done a brilliant job. The Elevate Initiative should have a favourable effect on the property prices in the area which would, I am sure please the home owners and tenants alike.

Well done the council.

EDDIE DUXBURY, Arthur Way, Blackburn.