WHAT a disappointment was your editorial comment about Blackburn's proposed orbital route (LET, February 18).

You and, indeed, Councillor Peter Greenwood may think that he is "breaking ranks with the rest of his group." The fact is he is not.

All members of the council, not just Labour members, want a full and informed debate of the issues.

The decision to support the development of Blackburn's town centre with money from Europe and removing through traffic was taken some months ago by all members of the council after discussions with business groups and individuals.

This was in the light of the realisation that a new relief road could not be funded. The only way left to improve traffic flows was to make better and different use of existing roads.

Coun Greenwood is wrong in believing that safety will be compromised. In no circumstances will this be the case.

Footway, road design, layout and signs, not just in the town centre, will give pedestrians particularly, but all road users generally, a safer environment.

Nor is it the case that there is to be pedestrianisation of Church Street. There is still the option to do this if consultation shows that is wanted, but one of the major aims is to remove the present barrier of through traffic congestion on Church Street and increase the pedestrian links across and down through Darwen Street.

This is crucial to the success of shops and businesses in the area, as well as the town's Moor and Lower Audley developments.

As a result, whatever the final scheme, there will be improved access to the town centre car parks, something which all shoppers, visitors and business will welcome.

The proposed road layout at Copy Nook has already been modified as a result of consultation and we are convinced that proper, informed consultation brings a better solution to the problems.

ANDY KAY (Chairman, Regeneration Committee, Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council), Preston Old Road, Feniscliffe, Blackburn.

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