I WAS interested to read S Patel's comments (Letters, September 27) about my earlier comments on Whalley Range in Blackburn and I agree that there are other grot spots -- I live in one of those she listed.

I have lived in the area all my life -- in the same house which was my parents' before it was mine.

In days gone by, it was known throughout Blackburn as a smart place. Then when new people came to live there, it went downhill fast.

People threw rubbish such as furniture in back alleys -- and still do. I have spoken to those I have seen doing this.

Some people in this area don't keep on top of home repairs, neglect their gardens, throw litter in the streets and never use a brush and shovel outside their front doors.

My grandmother lived for a time on Whalley Range and I went to Bangor Street School nearby.

In those days, it was a very clean area and the community took pride in keeping it that way. Anyone who didn't was told about it.

The name of the game is "respected pride." Blackburn has been a poorer town than it is now. During 1930-1940, Britain was emerging from a war and in depression, but we still kept the town clean.

No, Mrs Patel, it is not because the town is poor that it is dirty, nor is it the fault of the cleansing department. It is the fault of the people who live in this town.

H HAMER, Lowther Place, Blackburn.