THE Guardian article describing Bolton as a “nothing town” was bound to cause ructions.

Now, we’re back to all the doom merchants agreeing, happy to jump on the depression bandwagon insisting that Bolton is a declining town with no hope.

How helpful is that? Of course the town has had its problems, like towns up and down the country. Of course it’s nothing like it used to be; nowhere is. Of course we would all prefer it to be a retail boom town.

Bolton's leaders hit back at national newspaper claims that the town is declining

But, Bolton is not a nothing town. It’s not a place that isn’t trying to push the effects of a recession firmly behind it and improve what we’ve got.

There is £1 billion worth of development waiting in the wings from people who plainly believe in the town. So, please, just stop whingeing and get behind the positivity. Together, we can all make Bolton a better place.