REGARDING the 'shoddy town' slur on it in a national newspaper, Burnley is like many former industrial towns in Lancashire -- a mixture of grot spots, declining traditional terraced houses, mills and other properties.

Burnley is also set in beautiful countryside, with outstanding landmarks of its own -- Towneley Hall for one. The recently revamped centre could have been better if all the square and walkways had been covered in.

The new Curzon Street development is very nice, but, again, open to our varying weather.

As for the new sculpture features, words fail me. I don't know what they cost, but just appear to be a form of iron railings set in an obstacle course.

The other sculptures in the market square are at least recognisable. Overall, Burnley could be much worse but could also be a lot better.

KATHLEEN BULCOCK (Mrs), Wilkie Avenue, Burnley.