THE role of manager for the town centres of Blackburn and Darwen is a pivotal position for the development of the borough.

It is important that wealth earned by residents is spent within the area so that prosperity is shared, and that means our town centres must be vibrant places where people will be eager to spend their cash.

It could be argued that Blackburn town centre has had more than its fair share of problems in the past few years.

The tatty looking 1960s exterior was given a new look but Lord's Square at its heart was missed out because owners Standard Life were reluctant to spend the necessary money.

Big efforts have been made to keep national names in town and ensure the eyesore of unlet units is kept to a minimum.

Disruption caused by the pedestrianisation of Church Street brought howls of protest from traders who said they were adversely affected but the finished product - including the renovation of the Pavilions - promises to have been well worth the wait.

With the departure after ten years of Paul Isherwood there are suggestions that the job should in future be more "trader-orientated."

The role is a balancing act between different interests and the manager will sometimes have to take a longer view than traders. But it is vital that the successful candidate should be able to say whatever needs saying to ensure that our town centres are successful.