I AGREE with all Frank Harrop says (Letters, January 2).

We moved to Hoddlesden some 12 months ago and I have often struggled to negotiate the crossroads he complained about -- particularly at peak times, when returning home via Marsh House Lane. Traffic is often constant travelling along Roman Road, then turning right into Marsh House Lane.

Roman Road has become the unofficial Darwen by-pass, with motorists avoiding the A666 (and the frequent temporary traffic lights.

I attended a road safety meeting at the town hall three months ago and raised the question of a mini roundabout at this junction. I was told my comments would be passed on and subsequently received a letter stating that it was not possible to construct a roundabout at this junction as conditions were not suitable.

Is this another story to avoid spending money in Darwen?

Another letter the same evening referred to increased traffic on Birley Street, Blackburn, because motorists were avoiding Barbara Castle Way -- yet the bulk of the recent grant (to be used for road improvements) is to be spent on extending Barbara Castle Way.

It has been stated that the criteria for improving road safety is a "certain number of road accident deaths have to occur within a certain time scale." This is cold comfort to the relatives of those victims.

Come on, meet the people of Hoddlesden and get their views as to whether a roundabout is vital at this junction.

NEVILLE CORDINGLEY, Ranken Drive, Hoddlesden.