ON Saturday, April 25, we took visitors from Scotland into Bolton.

We seldom go in as it is upsetting to see the deterioration in a once great town.

We parked next to Victoria Hall, and paid five pounds in a dirty, run down car park.

We walked past our magnificent Town Hall, our relation was horrified to hear about the vandalism proposed by the council. In Newport Street we saw dirty gum filled pavements. I felt ashamed.

Our spirits lifted when we reached the Olympus Grill and were greeted by the owner's usual warm welcome and had an excellent meal. A gem in a rusty in rusty crown.

At the Victoria Hall we were treated to a superb concert, thank you Chris Wormald and performers. Another gem.

Why can't the council match these jewels? The plan by the Civic Trust is excellent, similar to the Shankland plan.

We need to make Bolton green — full of trees and flowers, but it needs people with good taste to see it. Living in hope and despair.

Mrs Jacqueline Darroch,

Birtenshaw Crescent,

Bromley Cross.