IT was with some disappointment that I read the comments in 'Act now over Landmark' (Letters, May 24), about the India Mill chimney at Darwen.

How nice it would have been if your correspondent had happened to observe and compliment us, upon the extensive works that have ready been undertaken at India Mill.

While the mill has been in the ownership of Brookhouse Holdings plc, many millions of pounds (of private sector money) have been invested in what was previously a deteriorating landmark.

You will see that the windows, which were previously broken and boarded, have been replaced (there are about 400 in total), the site has been set out attractively and landscaped.

The interior is currently being refurbished to create a modern and attractive working environment and, perhaps most importantly, new employment opportunities are being created in Darwen. Of the total floor area of 240,000 sq ft, more than half is now occupied by new employees to Darwen.

Yes, the chimney is our responsibility and, as a Grade II* listed building, it is a responsibility which we take very seriously.

A survey has been undertaken and the necessary remedial works are currently being scheduled, with work, hopefully, commencing later this year.

As an environmentally-conscious company, we need to delay the works until our resident peregrines have reared their fledglings.

In response therefore, to your correspondent's question: "Why doesn't someone get cracking?"

Someone did get cracking more than four years ago and it would be nice for credit to be given where it is due!

JOHN M FRYER, Manager, Brookhouse Managed Properties Limited, India Mill, Darwen.

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