BUSINESS leaders are meeting on Tuesday to discuss the health of Bolton's town centre economy.

The event has been instigated by Bolton Council which is keen to hear the views of local businessmen.

And according to Paul Foster, the Greater Manchester Chamber's local policy manager for Bolton, business in the town centre can look to the future with a great deal of optimism.

He said: "This event will bring small focus groups together to offer views on what makes Bolton distinctive.

"We are attracting new retailers to the town centre, but also keeping the history of places like Victoria Hall.

"We can look forward to a lot of regeneration and attracting a variety of high profile retailers."

Mr Foster added: "Our surveys show that the economy in Bolton is doing quite well, although there is concern over the manufacturing sector, illustrated by the collapse of MG Rover which has hit some supply companies in Bolton.

"The manufacturing sector has also suffered due to competition from abroad, like China, where the economies are booming."

Paul Dickinson, landlord of town centre company Fluidair Compressors Ltd, who will be attending the seminar, said: "Business in the town centre is in pretty good shape, with well thought out developments and places like the Town Hall square which is a great centrepiece.

"The town centre is compact, bit it also has a good sense of space that enables Bolton to compete with places like Manchester and Bury.

"The Victorian Market Hall has a special character and the shopping mall that leads to Debenhams is a superb combination."

Mr Dickinson, who is also Director of the Bolton Chamber of Commerce, added: "I think we need to improve parking in the town centre to compete with retail outlets like Middlebrook where it is free.

"Maybe improved bus links or a park and ride scheme would be worth considering.

"The more people we have coming to Bolton town centre, the merrier."

The Chamber and the Bolton Town Centre Company is hosting the event which is at the Bolton Business Investment Centre, Commerce House, Bridgeman Place.

Anyone interested in attending the seminar should contact Paul Foster on 01204 336 093.