REGULAR readers of the Bolton News and visitors to its website could be forgiven for thinking Bolton was the worst town in the UK – charmless, ugly and decaying.

Even given that we Brits are a nation of moaners, it’s rare to see a positive comment posted about what a great place Bolton is. And anything even remotely positive is howled down by the anonymous hordes of whingers who swipe at everything from the local council to shopkeepers, charity workers and any possible area of local officialdom.

This next weekend, however, sees an event that not only draws in thousands of visitors but even, gulp, glorifies the town centre. Yes, the popular Bolton Food and Drink Festival is held in and around Victoria Square for four enjoyable days.

Of course there will be critics and the usual gloom-laden doom merchants pointing out that the town centre still has many empty shops – but so have towns and villages up and down the country. You don’t just throw off a recession: it takes time. It also takes all of us pulling together.

I know the town centre is nothing like the vibrant place it once was. Yes, there are far more empty shops, charity shops, betting shops and pound shops – all a reminder of better past days and current ones with less money available.

But, simply bemoaning that Bolton “isn’t like it used to be” is a complete waste of time. If you think members of Bolton Council are doing such a bad job, get off your backside and stand as a local councillor and try to make a difference.

Unhappy with town centre plans? Join Bolton Civic Trust and work with an important lobby that’s trying to provide alternative ideas and protect local heritage.

Critical of the lack of town centre trade? Support your local retailers and leisure industry and come into the town centre. There is still much to enjoy, and it’s set to improve with the big investment in The Market Place, soon to be on public view.

OK, I know it sounds like I’m going around wearing rose-tinted specs, but I’m as disappointed as the next resident with the way that town centres like ours have gone.

On Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday, though, thousands of people will be here to enjoy themselves, sampling the best of what Bolton offers. So, let’s just celebrate our town for a change.