HAVING lived in Burnley for more than 10 years, I feel that the 'Lonely Planet' Guide's description of our area (LET, April 29) is a very accurate one.

Towns such as Burnley, Nelson, Colne and Accrington are, thanks largely to the inept councils that run them, extremely depressing places to visit.

The standard of road and street repairs are the worst in Europe. Rubbish, neglect and graffiti are everywhere.

And, over the last 30 years, most of the buildings that held any architectural merit and character have been swept aside in favour of the soulless but 'functional' concrete, glass and perspex boxes so beloved by councils and developers alike.

As for our western coastline - bleak, featureless, tacky and polluted. Up until recently, its only saving grace was the surrounding countryside, but now most of that lies under a sea of housing and retail developments.

The likes of Councillor George Slynn should come out of their fantasy world and try walking around with both eyes open.

PETER MORAN, Merton Street, Burnley.

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