IN your report about Standard Life's intention to dispose of Blackburn's shopping precinct (LET, October 11) the Council's Chief Executive referring to the company as just being a "pension fund'" suggests how oblivious the council is of this company's mammoth property portfolio.

Might the company wishing to dispose of the centre be interpreted as foresight and getting out while they have a chance?

If it is such a wonderful, profitable proposition, then why did this Labour Council sell its interest in it in the first place? How were the proceeds spent and what on? For one would have expected the Council to have received millions for its shareholdings.

WALT MEADOWS, Whalley New Road, Blackburn.