IT does not surprise me, or, I'm sure, lots of other people in Lancashire that the market traders in Blackburn are up in arms about the decision of he council to let French traders set up stalls in Church Street rent-free.

From what I have read and what I've seen in the markets every week seems to bring more empty stalls in both the three-day and six-day markets. Why? -- because of the exorbitant rents our traders have to pay.

My opinion is that all shoppers in Blackburn should boycott the French traders.

MARGARET McMILLAN, St Albans Court, Blackburn.