WHILE Roy Davies (Letters, October 2) is correct in stating that new lighting has occurred on Mincing Lane, Blackburn, unfortunately the funding the council received for this scheme was part of the town centre action plan, and could not be spent on improving residential lighting such as that on Olive Lane, Darwen.

Mr Davies is also correct in his comments about the Sudell (and central Darwen area) being in an area for action against crime. That is why the council also obtained special funding for lighting improvements around St Peter's Church, Two Gates estate, parts of St James' estate, Ash Grove and the Ellenshaw areas of Sudell and central Darwen.

Again, due to government rules, the council has little discretion in these matters, with local councils having to apply (successfully in Blackburn with Darwen's case), for special funding for specific schemes in line with government guidelines.

If the council did not apply government criteria, then they simply would not receive the money for any extra lighting schemes in Blackburn or Darwen. The money would simply go to other councils which fulfil the government's criteria.

If Mr Davies or any other residents would like more information, they should just contact their local councillor.

COUNCILLOR DAVE SMITH (Sunnyhurst Ward), Avondale Road, Darwen.