REGARDING the remarks in 'Town's taking shape but . . ." and "Nightmare walk of lady, 70" (Letters, September 3), yes, Blackburn's Church Street development is taking shape and will look fantastic, I am sure and as for the Cathedral grounds, they are already lovely, but both are being spoilt by the beggars, drunks and ne'er do wells drawn to this area.

Ordinary people feel afraid to walk, eat and relax in these places for fear of being pestered. Surely, there are bye laws that can be enforced by the police or council to rid the town centre of this very real problem.

Most of the money spent by the council to refurbish these areas is, sadly, going to be a waste, as decent members of the public will 'steer clear' of these wonderfully-transformed public areas.

Please, can the council sort this out before Church Street is offically opened?

D HEYES (Miss), Birch Hall Avenue, Darwen.