NOBODY doubts the need to attract high quality retailers into Blackburn town centre - it is essential if we are to compete in the battle for shoppers.

But this week's decision to force the closure of a coffee shop in King William Street because it is in the wrong place has left a bitter taste in the mouth.

Not least because the council which made the decision has been telling everyone who will listen that it wants to create a cafe society in the town.

We know other councils would have allowed it, but rules are rules. That's what the planners say.

But what about the people who matter - the customers?

The vast majority appear to think that the decision is plain daft.

They know that having somewhere nice to sit and chat during a retail therapy session is all part of the attraction.

Yes, the man behind the scheme should have checked his facts before opening without permission.

But by telling him to close because the street is reserved for "real" shops is surely a case of the cutting off its nose to spite its face.

Especially when the council has allowed a building society to open in a former menswear shop just yards away.

And especially when Marks and Spencer is due to open a spanking new cafe virtually next door.

Before it concentrates on attracting new shoppers, the council should make sure it doesn't alienate those it already has.