I DISAGREE with Jim Drew who said the Redearth area in Darwen had a good community spirit' and brought and cared for homes' (LT, Aug 24).

Many houses were not cared for' as many were empty, semi-derelict and with obvious signs of damp and poor structure.

The area had been going downhill for years as private landlords were buying more houses, often placing short term tenants with social problems in them and homeowners who cared for their homes were a minority.

The back streets were often full of rubbish and land off Hannah Street, back Star Street, top of Redearth Street was a disgrace.

What is the point of refurbishing houses where private landlords would be in the majority and would have no intention of investing long-term in the area?

I knew people in the area who were very glad that the council brought the properties in order for them to live in better homes.

MR O OKAN, Wood Vale, Darwen.