IT was interesting to read your recent series of articles about Lord Square in Blackburn, but it would seem from the subsequent comments (Letters, February 27), that a number of readers are confused about certain aspects of the debate.

Most importantly, Blackburn with Darwen Council no longer has the commercial interest it had in the shopping precinct. Technically, it is no longer Councillor Ashley Whalley's or any other councillor's responsibility. The onus must fall firmly on the shoulders of Standard Life, the owner.

I know Coun Whalley has made continued representation to Standard Life. It is regrettable when the council and a large proportion of the population of Blackburn can see the potential of Lord Square and yet the owner refuses to act, hiding behind remarks that it will not act until Blackburn centre is busier is total nonsense, and moving goal posts.

I remember a few years ago when Standard Life was saying it would take action on Lord Square when Church Street was pedestrianised and then when there were more units let in the precinct. Both these criteria have been fulfilled .

Let us not forget that this town centre now has nearly 100 per cent occupancy. Indeed, the main precinct is so busy that new traders are using barrow-type stalls.

How much more increase in trade does Standard Life need to see before it starts re-investing in the town?

It seems to me that although the centre is obviously making a profit, Standard Life desires an even larger return before it will consider re-investing locally.

Lord Square has a variety of potential users, many of which are possible without permanently disturbing the current traders. By holding back the development of this important area, Standard Life and those groups who, for their own internal reasons, support it, are effectively undermining all the hard work that the council and private investors have recently undertaken.

It is also inhibiting the future of the local economy and the prosperity of everyone in the area.

Perhaps the people of Blackburn, particularly those with Standard Life policies/investments, would like to contact the company chief executive, Mr Ian Lunsden, at Standard Life House, 30 Lothian Road, Edinburgh EH1 2DH, questioning him about the company's reluctance to re-invest in the town that it appears to get much from.

PAULINE VAUGHAN, Higher Church Street, Blackburn.