AS an old Boltonian who has returned to live in Bolton after 14 years of exile in Warrington, I am absolutely disgusted at the deterioration of what was once a proud town that attracted many visitors to its quality shops and magnificent Town Hall, Crescent and Square.

I look around now and see nothing but deterioration, with many shops closed down, even very close to the Town Hall itself. Newport Street now has a hotch-potch of shops. The ex-Lido Cinema looks ready for demolition, and the pub next door should never have had council permission to paint it such garish colours. Discarded chewing gum covers town centre pavements like large blobs of paint, litter is everywhere.

Bolton Council should take a four-mile ride to Bury town centre and see what can be achieved. Bolton is no longer a proud town -- just a disgrace -- and the powers that be should be thoroughly ashamed this has been allowed to happen.

J Hirst

Thicketford Road

Bolton