BLACKBURN'S new multi screen cinema and bowling complex is fantastic.

It is just what Blackburn wanted for years because Preston and Bolton are 10 years ahead of Blackburn in terms of retail, leisure and hotels developments.

All these years I have said Blackburn needs a four or five star hotel, more retail outlets, the refurbishment of Lord Square in the shopping centre, a motorway link with the M6, a multi screen cinema, etc. My dream is coming true.

The shopping centre and the four or five star hotel has not been completed yet but it remains to be seen whether Blackburn with Darwen Council has the same vision which I have for the 21st century.

If Blackburn wants city status then a hotel is the missing link.

If one looks at Preston, Wakefield, Lincoln etc, towns similar in terms of population around 100,000, city status was granted because of cathedrals and other developments such as motorways, hotels, shopping retail and leisure outlets which began in the late 20th century.

M DANNY (Mr), Wilson Street, Kirklees, West Yorkshire.