RE: the item in the Bolton Evening News, January 13, Youth Centre jackpot and that the young people in Horwich and Blackrod will benefit from a £255,000 cash boost.

Upon reading the report, it seems only the Horwich area will be the main benefactor from this large sum. As a member of the Blackrod youth management committee, I notice there is no mention of any improvements in the Blackrod area itself.

The management committee, at every meeting, raises the question of how the club needs an upgrade and money spending on it. We have been raising this question for years, but it seems to fall on deaf ears. I see Fox Street club is to be refurbished - I say good luck to them, but the club at Blackrod is in an equally as bad state, if not worse.

There is a proposal for a drop-in centre for nine-13-year-olds in Horwich, which I don't feel will be of much help to the nine and 10-year-olds of Blackrod as the parents will have to take them by car (if they have one), or go on the bus, which I am sure parents would think twice about doing.

I appeal to Mr Baumber and the governors of the Rivington and Blackrod High School who are to oversee the project to give thought to doing something here in Blackrod, as we are in as much need as the youth of Horwich.

E Johnson

Latham Road

Blackrod