I AM amazed that Blackburn intends to spend £900,000 on renovating tatty old buildings (LET, June 6).

On the other hand, plans for a £2.5million scheme for the establishment of an up-market cafe-bar at premises in Darwen Street were turned down. Doesn't make sense to me.

The viability of Darwen Street as a shopping centre was destroyed by the construction of the Debenham's store.

D BULLEN (Mr), Albany Road, Blackburn.