A BIG thank-you to Eric Leaver for keeping alive the memory of 'Jack Kay's Lodge' (LET, September 13), which for many years was the biggest recreational amenity in Darwen. Boating, fishing and swimming were all popular and there was even sand for the kids.

Now, of course, it is sadly neglected. The lake was drained years ago because the banking was unsafe and no one seems to be doing anything about it.

Developer Rob Hollingworth, who owns it, blames council red tape, although he apparently won't be drawn on the exact details of the delays, according to your earlier story (LET, August 9).

The council, for their part, seem happy to let things slide. "We have not heard from the developer for some time and, therefore, there is no reason to progress further until we do," says a spokesman, who obviously has no sense of urgency or a feeling for tradition. For 'some time,' incidentally, you can read 'years.'

If the developer is happy to sit it out, sulking at some sort of red tape and the council is happy to sit back and do absolutely nothing, I presume Darwen will never again see the recreational glory of 'Jack Kay's Lodge,' which had happy memories for so many of us.

HAROLD HEYS, Derby Close, Darwen.

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.