WITH reference to the article "People drain from our towns" (LT, September 22).

The Office of National Statistics (ONS) has recently released the 2006 mid year population estimates.

Through natural change the population of Blackburn with Darwen is continuing to grow as the borough sees around 1,000 more births than deaths each year.

While most areas in the UK are seeing an ageing population, Blackburn with Darwen now has the youngest age profile in the country.

Looking at the borough's population over a longer period of time, it has grown from 138,700 in 1997 to the current 2006 figure4 of 141,200 and is expected to grow further, as ONS projects that in 2029 Blackburn with Darwen will have a population of around 153,600.

Increased investment in the borough has created more opportunities for people to prosper, and with the advent of high quality apartments and housing in both town centres and, for example, on the former Blackburn Infirmary site, this population growth will continue.

Further important factors are investment in creating more high quality jobs, improving our schools and higher education and offering good quality leisure a shipping opportunities, so ensuring our continued successful population growth of Blackburn with Darwen against the national trend.

GRAHAM BURGESS, chief executive, Blackburn with Darwen council.