I AM disgusted that Blackburn with Darwen Council has rejected plans for a caf bar in Darwen Street, Blackburn (LET, August 30).

I thought the idea was to attract new business and employment to an ailing town centre. Rejecting this plan will three empty shops which probably stand empty for months, if not years.

The reasons for rejecting these plans are petty to say the least! It seems the council will only approve plans for things that they want, not what the public wants.

This farce came one day after a businessman faced closure of his coffee shop. OK, so its owner Ian Finch may have been at fault for assuming he didn't need planning permission, but his shop looks great. It definitely adds something to the town.

I urge councillors to ask the people of Blackburn what they want instead of pleasing themselves what they approve and reject.

We want a diverse, full town centre, not a half-empty one which no one wants to use.

M WIGNALL (Mr), Station Close, Rishton.