It’s good that the new market in Blackburn has been hailed a success by traders and the public, but has anyone given a thought to the huge number of local charities who have now lost what was a vital source of income?

For many years the council have rented out premises in the town centre to local charities which has enabled them to raise substantial sums from other people’s unwanted items.

Where can we turn to fill the void? Grants are no longer easily available, charity box collection days achieve very little and are resented by many.

Small charitable organisations will simply cease to exist and that can only be detrimental for the town.

Surely there are enough empty shops which could be rented out. Come on, BwDBC, help us – and sooner rather than later.

Eileen Eastham, Blackburn Sea Cadets.