I WAS once a proud Boltonian who would extol the virtues of the town. A town with a bustling thriving centre, a town second only in the north west to Manchester and Liverpool.

A town where coaches would bring shoppers on day trips from fifty miles away. A town now with a centre that is by general consensus in certain areas a dump.

The approach via Bank Street and Bradshawgate from Manchester Road is appalling. Why when the likes of Bury, who a few years ago could not be compared on the same level as Bolton, is now, forgive the pun, streets ahead.

The disastrous decision contrary to public wishes to close and change the market hall was the catalyst for the decline. This could have been sympathetically upgraded retaining its unique tradition, instead of changing into an ‘any other town shopping centre’.

It is accepted with the emergence of out of town shopping centres the traditional town centre is under pressure, but that is the challenge not the excuse. Where lies the responsibility for this decline. It must rest heavily on the standard of governance of the town. The council and planners have the responsibility, if not, who has?

With the new bus rail interchange and the development at the Market Place there may be some sign of revival. But with the closure of major stores and the blight of the decaying areas the challenge to regain the towns once prominent position is great. Will the leadership, the vision and the energy required to meet this challenge be forthcoming, I do hope so. If not this once great town whose many famous sons have graced this country will decline even further. What a sad demise.

E J Williams

Edgworth