AREN'T there things that just make you want to spit?

Now we have this 'problem' with the monuments, statues, carvings, decorations or whatever it is that is to adorn Blackburn's cafe society area -- you know the area that, at the moment, is without cafes or a society.

Could we be told just who is the person or persons with the overall responsibility for carrying out the work on the town centre?

I, with many, went to consultation meetings. Jeff Stone was a stalwart and it was apparent that the majority opposed the closure of Church Street. Votes were taken but it became apparent to us that the decision had really already been made. But like the good citizens we like to think we are, we thought we'd give it a chance.

The outcome has been one clanger after another. We've had roads and paths closed, not for days but months, turning into years.

The effect on business, on mobility and the morale of the town centre has been devastating.

Where was the forward planning and who decided the timescale?

It was evidently someone without any concern for the business community, the shopping public or even Blackburn itself.

And now the shopping centre owners have given up. Let's hope, nay pray, that we get a developer with vision and a sense of urgency.

We cannot and should not try to compete with Manchester or even Preston. We have to find an identity of our own, a niche. We were a busy market town. I am sure a High Street and a square would be nice and it would be lovely if we had an arcade. But that it is asking a bit too much. Church Street could become the square with shops and stalls, and maybe even the fair could be held there, for we desperately need activity.

Remember when the fair came - the business, the excitement, the music, the pot fair? There were the handsome young men that leapt on and off the waltzers with such style and panache, smiling beguilingly as they short-changed you, though my friends always swore it was worth every penny.

It's up to us all to keep Blackburn a pleasant place. Perhaps if all the food shops on Darwen Street got together they could do something about the messy pavement. It wouldn't take much effort but the difference would be magic.

That's how I feel. How about you? Yes, you out there, how do you feel? Let me know. Perhaps together we could do something.

Remember Berlin had its wall. We have only got the orbital route. Perhaps it's time for a bit of backside kicking, as they say in the States.

I AM STILL getting a lot of comments about the fuss over Jim Bowen's remarks on radio.

The important issue is: Was it his intention to hurt? I don't think so. Was somebody hurt by it? If there was, perhaps they can tell us why they were offended by a 'josh' remark made by a friendly person in what, I am sure, was a friendly manner.

I am in no way ashamed that I didn't think it a racial remark. Unlike my critics, when I'm talking to folk I don't constantly think they are black or white - I just think they are people.

Let's be honest, an offence can only be caused if offence is meant.

Till next week...