I SAW the proposed extension to the Market Hall (October 16), and thought it to be yet another cheap and nasty modern structure.

If they are going to do anything, they should be made to spend even more money, and build it in exactly the same way at the old version in the same stone.

The Market Hall was built in 1852 and is a listed building, while this glass and metal effort won't be standing in another 25 years, if the Water Place is anything to go by.

Bolton has lost too much of its character and many good old buildings. Look at what happened to the 18th century Commercial Hotel, replaced by Mothercare, and The Bolton Corporation Tram Office on Bradshawgate, replaced by the BMW showroom. All will be gone in less than 100 years.

Too many times Bolton's people have been "spun a yarn" at the whim of developers and councillors, who seem to think they know what we want. As we all know, they always get their way, but in doing so just look what they have done to Bolton over the last 30 years.

It's a total mess, with mis-matched buildings and demolished sites all over the place. Talk about bad planning.

How many of us remember the very fine large Co-operative department store in Farnworth, on the corner of Blackley Street and Market Street, and the protest over its demolition? But we were convinced this was the best for the employees, and everyone would keep their jobs, and the Co-op would still stay in the area. Then, not long afterwards, they flattened it, changed the area and moved out.

These developers are all the same. So if this planning does do ahead, sooner or later the same will happen. It will become another mistake and get demolished again. It's the same farce, and an expensive one, at the expense of our town's appearance.

Mr Corns

Almond Street

Bolton