Blackburn with Darwen Council has announced cuts of £25million in public services, and blames the Conservative government.

Well before the council starts apportioning blame, it should look into its own back yard.

Six months ago, supported by Blackpool Council, Blackburn with Darwen unsuccessfully fought Preston City Council’s bid for the Tithebarn shopping development and spent around £1million on legal costs.

Even after the result, councillors still wanted to stop Preston and have now submitted a new legal challenge, again costing over £1million.

One wonders how many jobs could have been saved at Blackburn town hall, or public services maintained, if this challenge was dropped and the council tax payers’ money put to good use.

G Gilbert (Mr), Hutton, near Preston.