I READ with concern Blackburn with Darwen Council's attitude to the Lewis Textile Museum (LET, January 19).

More than any other, Lancashire's textile industry was responsible for the economic success of Britain.

Here in East Lancashire, our industrial heritage is more important to British and world history than anywhere else in the country.

With encouragement from local councils, we could make East Lancashire into a tourist attraction far greater, and far more important, than the well-known museums at Ironbridge or Beamish.

Yet what is happening? Are our local councils acting with the foresight and entrepreneurial spirit of our predecessors?

No. Not only is the Lewis Textile Museum down for closure, but so is Queen Street Mill in Burnley.

I am currently arranging a trip for a large group of American tourists.

They are extremely interested in visiting East Lancashire, an area with strong historic links to America through the cotton industry.

Now, it looks like I will have to tell them that our local and county authorities are closing some of our most interesting museums. I would not blame them if they decided not to come.

We are continually being told that tourism is an important industry, vital to the region's economic stability.

Yet, by such closures, we will definitely be reducing the attraction of East Lancashire to visitors, particularly those from abroad.

MIKE CLARKE, Milepost Research, Fountain Street, Accrington.

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