MY husband has traded in Bridge Street, Darwen, for almost 45 years and I have for 30 years and during this time we have seen many changes.

The worst thing that ever happened was the pedestrianisation of the street.

The council promised that a shoppers' car park would be created to compensate for people not having access to the shop fronts, but this failed miserably.

We now have cars using the street all day as a short-cut to avoid the traffic lights and a car park full all day with the cars of local workers who need somewhere to park.

Shoppers cannot come to the shops in their cars because the traffic wardens will book them, but can do nothing about the speeding motorists endangering the lives of the pedestrians.

When the council's regeneration committee is considering revitalisation of Darwen town centre, it should take a good look at Bridge Street and the possibility of allowing access with limited waiting for people delivering to, and patronising the businesses. This has worked well in other areas.

One hour would be ample time for people, including the disabled, to attend the chiropodist, the optician's, health shop or patronise any of the businesses. Surely, this would be better than a street with many empty shops.

Also, how many of the people on the committee are Darwen councillors as, surely, the regeneration of Darwen should be considered by the people of Darwen.

EILEEN HELLIWELL (Mrs), F and E Helliwell, Shoe Repairs and Leather Goods, Bridge Street, Darwen.