I AGREE with people who are requesting a memorial for Tommy Ball. What better place than in the new market as it was on the old open market that it all started for him.

The trade he brought to the town was enormous. People came from out of town and would ask the way to his store.

He was also a very generous man. My daughter, who is now in her mid-40s, was celebrating her 18th birthday with a lunchtime drink with a few girls she worked with.

Tommy was in the bar with his driver who was sent over to ask what the celebration was.

He went out of the bar and after a few minutes came in with the biggest box of chocolates from the newsagents next door to the pub.

He also gave each of the girls a note to choose two pairs of shoes from his store.

If I have this memory of him after 28 years, surely we should be able to give him a memorial after the 40 plus years he served this town.

Come on Blackburn with Darwen Council, do something worthwhile for a change.

BRENDA GREGORY (Mrs), Rannoch Drive, Blackburn.