Do posters think that Accrington has declined more, less, or about the same as other similar towns in the area? I didn't get to visit most places around the area when I was over recently. So, Hasingden, Preston, Burnley, Bacup, Blackburn, Rawtenstall etc., have they declined badly also? Do any of these stand out as having declined less than the others? The only other town centre, of the ones mentioned above, which I managed to have a reasonably good look at, was Preston. I have to say, it really seemed to be thriving and looked as good, if not better, than when I last saw it six years ago. Would the fact that it has become a city have anything to do with that? If posters consider that Preston has declined less radically, what lessons can we learn from that and what applications can be made to emulate their success.
Please, let us treat all suggestions with some respect. If people are afraid to voice their opinions in case they are ridiculed, we may miss out on some good ideas.