WHEN reader John Upton read about the demise of the block of shops due for demolition in the town centre it brought back memories for him.

That is because John, aged 71, recalls his mother Mildred Upton used to clean for the Singletons who worked at the florist in the block.

The shop was called Oxford Florists and the family lived in Blackburn Road, Bolton which is where his mother used to clean.

Sometimes a young John would go with her to the large house which is still there opposite McDonald’s in Blackburn Road, he explains, and he would sit and read.

“They were big Bolton Wanderers fans, as I was, and I used to read a football book for children as I waited for my mother,” he recalls.

He remembers Arthur and Betty Singleton worked at the shop in Deansgate — which is now Greenhalghs bakery — as did Len and Anne Grimes.

John, who as a youngster lived in Tonge Moor with his mother and father, John, remembers there was a shop called the Fleetwood Fish Supplies as well as a restaurant and cafe.

“I am so sad these shops are being demolished.

“It seems such a shame as they have been there such a long time,” he says.

John says she is recalling businesses that filled the block at least 50 years ago and remembers going regularly to Sweetens book shop as well as the Blue Boar pub.

“I really don’t think the changes being made to Bolton town centre are for the better.

“There are other areas that could do with demolishing including Bank Street and the end of Bradshawgate that is not so good any more.

“This particular stretch has a history about it and I feel it should have been saved,” he adds. The buildings are to be demolished to make way for a regeneration project and some of the buildings date back to the 18th century.