WHAT is happening to Witton Park? The park was bought for the people of Blackburn. Yet, two schools have been built in it and now access is restricted.

The Easter Fair is held in it as well as various sports meetings, the Lion's Gala, and Asian sports, to name but a few events.

Some four years ago, 10 local bands put on a free concert and about 300 people attended throughout the day. There was no trouble and only a couple of complaints, but the organisers were told in no uncertain terms that an event of this kind would not he held again.

A music-loving friend of mine approached the town hall a couple of months ago with the idea of putting on a free music festival with food stalls etc., which would have brought much-needed money in for the Mayor's charity.

But he was told the council did not want a 'concert situation.'

Does the council not realise that Blackburn has a lot of talented young musicians? Accrington and most other forward-thinking councils hold annual free musical festivals. Come on, Blackburn Council, wake-up.

And, no, I'm not a youngster. I'm a 48-year-old modern music-lover who appreciates local talent.

S EVANS (Mrs), French Road, Blackburn.

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