MANY thanks to the Bolton News for its extensive article on the proposed changes to the Town Hall.

The piece does its best to represent both sides of the argument, however, the 'Comment' section entitled 'Give this Town Hall plan a chance' inexplicably comes out in support of the changes to the facade to create sitting out areas for the cafe and restaurant arguing that this represents 'progress' and that our magnificent Town Hall should be 'enjoyed by everyone'.

The essential point of the opposition argument has been missed and that is that the changes to the facade are totally unnecessary. Given the nature of Bolton's climate generally and the micro-climate and shade around the eastern side of the Town Hall in particular, these outdoor areas will be so little used that they will be an expensive and pointless exercise which will not only irreparably damage a Grade II listed building and our finest cultural asset, but produce a landscape of clutter — parasols, heaters, signs, screens as well as tables and chairs. What happens to all this on the vast majority of days when the weather is too inclement to sit out?

We are entitled to expect skill and competence from our civic leaders and officers but it appears that the expenditure and staff cuts that have been necessary in recent years have also removed the ability to properly assess what is necessary to revive the town's fortunes. How else can you explain putting forward plans to open a commercial restaurant in the Town Hall at the same time as approving plans for a massive restaurant complex in the Market Place?

The current planning application to create the cafe and restaurant opening out onto Victoria Square carries no market assessment, it is a poorly thought out attempt to join in with the 'cafe culture' and it is in the wrong place! Not surprisingly, Bolton & District Civic Trust, English Heritage, SAVE and other bodies concerned with looking after Britain's heritage are outraged at what is proposed. Objections will be raised by all these bodies but that may not be enough. Bolton Council has a track record of 'railroading' applications that they favour through Planning Committee using the Labour majority.

There are other ways to regenerate our town centre without causing the 'damage' proposed to the Town Hall, Cheadle Square and Newport Street and these need to be explored before it is too late. Bolton & District Civic Trust has organised a public meeting at 7.00pm in the Library Theatre on Tuesday May 5to discuss these alternatives. Anyone with the interests of the town at heart is invited to attend. We look forward to seeing you there.

Stuart Whittle

Albert Road West

Bolton