REGARDING your article 'Homeless anger as house stands empty' (LET, June 11), I would like to set the record straight on the facilities provided at the Council's homeless families hostel in Darwen.

You quote Mrs Wendy Sandham describing the unit as a 'hovel.' I consider this comment to be offensive to the residents, the council and also to the hostel staff, who work hard to ensure that homeless people are provided with good quality temporary accommodation.

Many improvements have been carried out to both the Council's homeless hostels in recent years, involving complete redecoration and refurbishment of bedrooms, lounge and dining room areas, including fittings such as carpets, beds, bedding and curtains.

There is an on-going improvement programme to maintain this standard.

I would therefore like to reassure your readers that the description of the accommodation as a 'hovel' is completely inappropriate and that anyone who is offered temporary accommodation at the homeless families hostel can expect to receive a quality service.

COUN S REID, Chair, Housing Committee, Blackburn Council.

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