IT is beyond dispute that much good work has been done to improve Blackburn town centre.

The extent of its regeneration projects, both completed and in progress, is impressive -- Darwen Street Bridge, the Townsmoor retail park, the new Audley retail and leisure development, the revamped railway station, the restoration of Fleming Square and the flagship redevelopment of Church Street.

But contrasted with these are eyesores that impede the aim of the regeneration drive taking place within the Orbital route -- that of making Blackburn centre more attractive and boosting its economy by increasing spending in the town centre.

Prime among these blackspots are run-down Lord Square and the somewhat shabby Penny Street.

But encouragingly today we learn that another blight on the town centre's appearance and renewal efforts is to go and be replaced by a big-name, high-quality fashion store. Destined for demolition is the block of shack-style old shops in Salford. Occupying a prime spot in a prominent position, they have been a poor advertisement for the town centre for too long.

And it is revealed that the development is one of three that could result in as much as £12million being invested in central Blackburn this year. Also planned is a new DIY superstore and garden centre at Nova Scotia Mill alongside the Townsmoor development, while a new office development on the site of the derelict Prospect Mill in Eanam will complement the new £5million Barbara Castle Way business centre for the council's support services partner, Capita, which is expected to provide at least 500 jobs.

All of this is exciting -- promising to make inner Blackburn increasingly attractive to shoppers and leisure-seekers and also a vibrant place of work for hundreds more people. Surely it also increases the pressure for action on the eyesores impeding that goal -- above all, that of Lord Square.