I DON'T like to gloat because of the severity of the situation, however I would like to say I told you so.

"Northgate/Sudell Cross area will become the new Church Street" - those were my thoughts to Blackburn with Darwen Council and the Telegraph in April 2006 before the completion of the orbital route affecting the Sudell Cross area.

The council plans were to have an upbeat, continental style plaza attracting shoppers. What we have actually got are a lot of empty shops and a feeling of a ghost area.

I was one of the many objectors to the scheme, stating that it would have a detrimental effect, not only on my business, but on the area as a whole. And looking at the number of businesses that have closed, or are in the process of closing in that area my thoughts were correct.

I am a local businessman trying to make a decent living for myself and my staff.

However, the council seems hellbent on destroying the town centre area by area.

It was recently announced that yet another business was closing even though the council has made improvements to the area at the front of the Town Hall.

Isn't it time the council listened more to the local people, especially the local businesspeople? What is needed is a rethink of the access into the Sudell Cross/Northgate area together with a look at the parking situation there.

Whilst on the subject of local businesses, it would be interesting to know how many local businesses the council uses to provide services/supplies!

RAY DUCKWORTH, Abacus Office Supplies, Tontine Street, Blackburn.