I RETURNED home to my parents recently and had occasion to walk into Darwen town centre. I am amazed at the amount of shops that are boarded up. It looks like down town Beirut.

It appears that since we (Darwen) became part of Blackburn, the town has been neglected by all and sundry.

The streets are dirty, weeds growing everywhere. I remember when householders were proud, especially in Darwen. We looked after our gardens, even the street in front of our houses. Not any more. Have the folk of Darwen lost all pride? I can't only blame the council on this one.

I have to say I was disgusted with the state of a once proud town. In 1889 a journalist and historian, JG Shaw, wrote: "Tween two hills both bleak and barren, lies dirty little Darren."

Today that's very true.

So get off your behinds, folk of Darwen, and get the place cleaned up. Get on to your local councillors and make them sort out the mess.

I do so hope that Darwen does not go to the wall and become a poor suburb of Blackburn.

But I fear that the town has lost all its pride and had its day.

DAVID NEWTON, Duke Street, Risboro, Buckinghamshire.