REGARDING your report (LET, July 4) on the redevelopment plan for Blackburn Cathedral grounds, as a former resident of Blackburn and someone who has never lost my strong ties to it, I feel very strongly about its current state.

I think that this level of redevelopment is essential if Blackburn is to halt its decline.

We must ensure that all future redevelopment have a timeless appeal and not, like the shopping centre, look past their sell-by date within a couple of decades.

Blackburn demolished most of its rich architectural legacy which it enjoyed from the fruits of its industrial past, but other towns and cities have used their resources to create a useful, exciting and dynamic environment in which people want to live and work. They are also creating a legacy of architectural excellence that will be the pride of their future generations.

If Blackburn is to move forward, quality development of this nature is required. I do hope that this project is of similar quality to the refurbishment of the Waterloo Pavilions.

When the shopping centre is finally demolished -- it can only be a matter of time -- we must have a total rethink of how we intend to redevelop the centre.

Former roads should be relaid in order to build bridges with our proud past and individual shops, cafes and bars should be woven into existing buildings in order to enable people to enjoy the past, present and future of the place.

We don't want an up-to-date re-hash of what we currently endure.

Although I was born in the mid-Seventies I look back enviously at the intimate, attractive and appealing look of the Blackburn of the Sixties and before and envy my parents that they could enjoy it.

No more brown and white tiles or horrendous cheapo panelling, please. This town deserves a little bit more respect.

ALEX JOHNSTON, Jubilee Terrace, Hemington, Bath.