MAY I thank your reporter Christine Rutter, for featuring Blackburn with Darwen Council's Advice Centre and staff in Tuesday Topic (LET, January 6).

The piece offered some very pertinent advice and information to people who may have run up debts over the Christmas period. However, there are a couple of points that I would like to clarify.

The advice centre was portrayed as a stand-alone service. It is actually part of Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council and is in place to offer advice to people on a whole range of issues, including debt counselling.

The service is for the people of Blackburn with Darwen. People across the county are best advised by similar services provided by Lancashire County Council and the Citizen's Advice Bureau.

Staff at the advice centre work very hard to help a growing number of customers. They have dealt with over £1 million-worth of debt per year rather than a million customers.

Many of our customers have been able to get out of debt or receive invaluable advice on benefits and found new homes, thanks to their efforts.

The council believes that the service is essential and is extending it by opening a new facility in Darwen to reach more people who need help.

This will be open from April 1 and will be based in Darwen Town Hall. Anyone needing help before that time should contact the Ainsworth Street advice centre on 583350.

COUN MAUREEN BATESON, chair, rights, advice and entitlements, Blackburn with Darwen Council.

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