OVER the last 18 months, I have spoken to my MP Janet Anderson, council leader Bill Taylor, Sunnyhurst ward councillor Dave Smith and numerous other councillors and officials charged with running the borough of Blackburn with Darwen and have asked them the same question:

Is it possible for Darwen to once again be independent from Blackburn? And, if not, can Darwen have its own council, with a budget of its own?

They all sound like plumbers when they suck air through their teeth when they are sizing up a job and are about to give you the estimate. The answer is the same -- No.

This answer seems to be based on what the Boundaries Commission says and on cost and the fact that the people who were elected would have no power. But, surely, the council is run this way now.

We have an executive of the council that runs Blackburn. And even if every councillor voted against a motion carried by the executive, it would still go through. So where is the difference?

If you are happy with the way Darwen has been treated by Blackburn Council since it was taken over in 1974, I am glad for you. But, if like me, you are dissatisfied with the lack of investment in Darwen, I would ask you to do something for me and yourselves.

I would like one person in each street to go to each house in their street and ask the people living there if they are happy with Blackburn Council. If they are not, get them to sign a petition and send it to me.

If the feeling is great enough, I will give the list to Blackburn Council and ask them what they are prepared to do about it.

ROY DAVIES, 209 Olive Lane, Darwen.