RE the proposed demolition of St Peter's graveyard in Blackburn. In this world where our politicians are trying to democratise other countries, based on the so-called democracy in the UK, the statement on the front page of the Telegraph stated, and I quote: "The council gave themselves the authority to remove the graves in St Peter's."

Where does democracy apply here?

The above statement smacks of a dictatorial attitude where the councillors involved feel they can make any decision they wish without reference.

Only in a dictatorship can those in office give themselves the authority to make such momentous decisions.

If this is part of the re-generation of Blackburn, then those responsible have much to answer for. The councillors involved have shown a total disregard for the families involved in such decisions, and have failed totally to observe the ethics and principles involved.

Blackburn has been destroyed over the years by subsequent councils, and the current council is no better, removing the history of the town, and spending taxpayers' money, again without reference on unnecessary artifacts exampled by the disasters in Church Street, and the obelisk at Sudell Cross - if this is an example of current design standards in Blackburn's regeneration, then it is high time that new ideas were forthcoming, and officers in place that are qualified and capable of regenerating the town.

MICHAEL KENNEDY, Pleasington Lane, Pleasington.