AS reported in the Telegraph last week, the residents of Lonsdale Street and surrounding areas are convinced that the local authority turns a blind eye to the dereliction and despair that makes living in this sector of the town an embarrassment.

Nothing brings this home more than the recent arson attack on Lonsdale Street. The authority, mindful that Lord Falconer was breezing through, quickly put official barriers around the debris, piled high on the pavement outside.

Saturday morning brought more workmen, perhaps to take away the ton of debris still blocking the pavement.

Silly me! Not on your life. They only came to remove the barriers. Debris still there, barriers gone, Lord Falconer gone. All hope gone.

KEVIN SAVAGE, Lonsdale Street, Accrington.