REGARDING Mrs King's remarks (Letters, July 31) about Jeff Stone and the redevelopment of Church Street and Darwen Street, in Blackburn, Mr Stone has shown commitment, dedication and downright tenacity for the good of Blackburn centre and its people.

Maybe Mrs S King did live in and has worked in Blackburn for 25 years, but it has been my home town for 68 years and no one I have asked agrees with the council's proposals.

I well remember the Church Street of my youth when it was a glorious street. Now, the whole of Blackburn and its centre are a dirty shambles with broken pavements covered with litter, broken bottles, gum and vomit.

Standing water is also a problem when it rains, especially the brickwork on Ainsworth Street and King William Street.

Keep up the good work, Jeff and just, maybe, the council might listen for a change.

Just remember, 30 years ago subways were built. Now, except for one, they have been filled in.

B GREENHALGH, Snaefell Road, Blackburn.