IT'S good news that St Peter and Paul's Church in Pilkington Street on the outskirts of Bolton town centre will remain open for at least another year.
Churches of most denominations have gone through a rough patch in the last decade or two as changing populations and social conditions apply.
This is, however, an important and imposing building with its feet planted firmly in the history of Bolton. The parish was established in 1794 although the church was built 200 years ago and it was the town's mother church.
It has withstood world wars, the terrible poverty of people in its parish, and has been a beacon of hope and help for thousands.
Times may have changed but we still need our churches, and St Peter and Paul's is a great visible reminder of how important religion has been for generations of ordinary local people.
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