THE development of the new Darwen Leisure Centre (LET, March 21) has received one or two adverse criticisms from people purporting to speak for "all Darreners".

One even claimed that the people of Darwen were happy with what exists now and asked why do we not want another "patched up" facility in Darwen, which will create more problems for the future generations.

I believe that the new leisure centre in Darwen will be a long overdue and welcome addition to the regeneration of the Darwen town centre.

For years, individuals have been complaining about the lack of spending in Darwen by the council and now when we have the chance of a good modern facility, we knock it.

Let's have the new look Darwen Leisure Centre along with 25-metre swimming pool, gym and aerobics centre and yes, let's have a sports hall as well and if it takes 18 months of waiting, then aren't good things worth waiting for?

Let's, for once, have a facility in Darwen that we are all proud of because if it's not built in Darwen then we all know who will grab it.

C RILEY, Bolton Road, Darwen.