REGARDING revitalising Darwen town centre (LET, January 21) the Market Hall is rather dull and dismal -- it's high time the temporary plastic sheets on the lantern roof were replaced with glass, as originally intended in 1880.

Could the town hall clock have a lick of paint, before it goes beyond repair? Is it possible to have end panels fitted to the bus shelters as there is no protection from wind and rain? Also, they have never been cleaned since their installation years ago. Now it's 'spend up' time (February and March), can we please have them done?

If the council want Darwen to be a ghost town, they are doing a hell of good job. If they want a busy market town, like it was in the 1950s before Blackburn took over, why not reduce rents on all shops and stalls by at least 25 per cent?

In the 1950s the rent was 10 shillings (50p) in summer and 12s 6d (62p) in winter, to cover the cost of electric lighting. The market was then a very busy place, with waiting lists for stalls.

We had the 'glass shed' with half a dozen fishmongers. The local stall has closed down once again. Three tenants have tried to scratch a living there but have failed, as it is in a stupid location and costs £100 a week to rent.

My wife and I do all our shopping in Darwen. If we can buy items in town, we do.

Recently, we went to Accrington to buy home brew kits and fish (none in Darwen). There is plenty of free parking, which is good for motorists and for the traders and the parking disc system is easy for the traffic wardens to check out.

The new Accrington market is coming along nicely and should be open soon. I hope Hyndburn Council keeps the rents reasonable and learn from Darwen's mistakes.

FRANK CROMPTON, Darwen.