independent too IN response to the story published on October 17, 'Break away call for towns.' Rossendale towns are being encouraged to seek independence like Padiham which had Government approval last week to form its own council. This is expected to be in place by May 2002 after an absence of 27 years since it was abolished in local government reorganisations."

Considering that Darwen's MP Janet Anderson is also the MP for Rossendale, could we in Darwen be also considered for independence considering that we were placed with Blackburn at the same time as these other towns which also want to break free from the yokes of a town council, which in my opinion has not done a very good job since taking us over in 1972.

So I call upon Darwen councillors such as Paul Browne, Dave Smith and Eileen Entwistle to give me an answer as to why this is not possible, I wait with bated breath for your response.

ROY P DAVIES, Olive Lane, Darwen.