MR F Crompton of Lightbown Street, Darwen (Letters, January 3) states that "Darwen's share of any cash is nothing more than peanuts." He then lists seven schemes costing about £30,000 each.

Why doesn't Mr Crompton list another seven schemes which have taken places, or will take place, in Darwen, all costing £1million or more?

£12million new health centre.

£2.6million Sure Start Family Centre (just around the corner from Mr Crompton's house!)

£1.4million heritage grant/restoration of India Mill and chimney.

£2.1million new music and IT block at Darwen Vale School, plus numerous capital improvements to various other schools in Darwen.

£1million new health and social services resource centre (back Duckworth Street).

£1million education action zone and improved standards at various Darwen schools.

£1million heritage lottery scheme (with a further £1million match funding) to improve town centre buildings and public spaces!

Mr Crompton must be fully aware of these schemes but, for some reason, he is only able to see spending in Blackburn but not Darwen!

The truth, of course, is that major investment is occurring both in Darwen and Blackburn -- something surely that should be welcomed by everyone?

COUN DAVE SMITH, Sunnyhurst Ward, Darwen.