BEFORE any design for Lord Square in Blackburn commences, the future of the three nondescript derelict buildings on Church Street should be resolved.

Their proposed conversion into a restaurant can only be a great white elephant due to the required capital expenditure, insufficient floorspace and poor position due to a lack of safe car parking nearby.

Would it not be wiser to demolish the three buildings and extend the revamp of Church Street to include a landscaped open aspect to the Cathedral, which I am sure would enhance the next city status bid.

My suggestions for the modernisation of Lord Square are:

1. Add a roof to the square by extending the first level of the rooftop car park.

2. Create a suitable entrance hall from Grosvenor Way, with a separate entrance to the adjacent public house.

3. Remove the pedestrian ramp to give life to the existing shops which it currently overshadows.

4. Refurbish the existing lift, but remove the walkway to the old Cavendish Club.

The resulting increased floor space and income from the previously-closed shops and additional car parking should be an incentive for shopping precinct owners Standard Life to work with the council.

If Standard Life will not work in partnership with the council, they should serve an enforcement order on the company for its neglect of this public place.

NORMAN SPENCER, Sycamore Close, Rishton.