There are instances in life when you feel it is necessary to redress the balance. Now is such a time and I feel compelled to get on my soapbox.

It stems from an overheard bar conversation regarding the supposed lack of decent pubs in our local town centres. At tiresome, tedious and repetitive old chestnut, that in my opinion, is a grossly exaggerated one.

Now, I was very tempted to interject and give my four-penneth, in order to explain that most of our town centre watering holes appear to be doing fine, thank you very much - and in many cases they give the impression they are running very successful ventures.

However, I refrained from intervention. As I got the impression from their woolly musings, that this gaggle of ageing doom and gloom brethren, would more than likely treat my opposing view with total disdain.

So, here I present to you, what I would have basically relayed to the chunnering, misinformed posse in the bar area had they been in a mood to listen...

Let’s start with Colne, a town with a plethora of central destinations. The Red Lion, Duke of Lancaster and the Wallace Hartley are a trio of tasty taverns.

A hop, skip and a stagger from the Wallace Hartley, you will find a triumvirate of micro-bars - Boyce’s Barrel; Cask and Keg and Tapster’s Promise. The trio on Newmarket Street, are all next door to each other, each having their own individuality and varied drinking experience.

Neighbouring Burnley offers an excellent choice for the discerning ale drinker. The New Brew-m and the multi award-winning Bridge Bier Huis, are among two of the finest in the region. Add to that, two Wetherspoon’s outlets plus the Coach and Horses, Swan Inn and KSC 110 club and you are simply spoilt for choice.

Accrington town centre replicates Burnley, with its fine drinking emporiums. The Abbey, Commercial, Canine Club and the Arden are a quality quartet. With, dare I say, the icing on the cake the outstanding Grant’s Bar.

Over in Padiham, decent pubs are in abundance . The Bridge Inn, Flying Dutchman, Hand and Shuttle, Molly Rigby’s and Katy Kelly’s are all pretty central. Then there’s the Free Gardener’s and, one of the area’s premier pubs, the Hare and Hounds.

A trip to Whalley will present you with a variety of drinking establishments. The De Lacy, Dog Inn, Swan Inn and Brady’s Bar, are all within close proximity. A fifth, Jack’s Bar, betwixt the De Lacy and Dog inn, is a recent addition to the village’s vibrant drinking scene.

Finally, there is always a good choice of hostelries in Clitheroe town centre. The recently opened, Beer Hall, at Holmes Mill, has been getting rave reviews.Over 40, yes 40, cask beers are available. The New Inn, close to the castle, serves 10 cask ales. And the Ale House, close by, dispenses a great range of both cask and bottled beers. Plus the central area, just for good measure, boasts two fine clubs, namely Catholic and Conservative.

So, there you have it. Case proven m’lud. Just some of East Lancashire’s town centres, that offer an abundance of fine drinking destinations - and choice!