BUSINESS leaders, councillors and, of course, our MP Jack Straw have all predictably criticised the EN Magazine for daring to tell the truth about the 'town' of Blackburn.

It isn't in their interests to agree with the criticism because to do so would be to admit just how poorly they are doing their jobs.

Too many people who live in the town have no pride whatsoever in promoting it's image.

To say that 'litter' is a problem, would be an understatement.

The town is filthy and it shames us all. Rats are to be seen openly running around parts of the town during daylights hours.

Drunks and 'winos' frequent well-known parts of the town, which have to be avoided if you don't want to be verbally abused.

If you don't mind being abused or threatened then just stay on into the evening when any number of people - for only a small amount of alcohol - will oblige with anti-social, abusive and threatening behaviour to add to your night's entertainment.

Crime is common, and people - young and old alike - are mugged during daytime hours, and this is no rare occurrence.

Do we see police on the streets? No.

CCTV maybe in the forlorn hope of catching the assailants 'after' the event. Little crime prevention here.

What we do see however is a growing number of traffic wardens and other forms of revenue collectors, all out to victimise visitors to the town.

So you'll find parking easier now. You'll have to pay, but be careful where you parks or you'll be clamped.

No wonder that the 'quality' shops and businesses now prefer to base themselves in Preston and Bolton because fewer and fewer shoppers are coming to Blackburn.

The council's vain attempts to attain 'city' status are a joke.

Our town leaders are doing a miserable job in making Blackburn a nice or vibrant 'town' to visit.

N EKE (Mr), Pickering Fold, Blackburn.