I AM writing in response to the letter: "Council Should Explain Rent Rise" (LET, September 7).

Mr Jepson is spot on when he describes Darwen Market Hall as "splendid" -- just as the people of Darwen will gladly tell him!

It is with a great deal of pleasure that I cannot say the same for his comment about a 50 per cent rent rise for the Market Hall.

The truth is that rents across all sections of the market have not and will not rise by anywhere near such amounts.

Rent rises, if any, are in line with inflation which we all know is certainly not at the levels referred to.

Rents are set at a commercial value to ensure that the market pays its way and is not a burden on the council tax payer.

Too high a rent might contribute to an unacceptable number of empty stalls, but as it is, Darwen Market currently enjoys the best occupation levels it has had for years.

Hopefully it will continue that way; Darwen Market will continue to live up to its title of "splendid" and Darwen will continue to be a great market town.

Councillor ANDY KAY, Blackburn with Darwen Council.