THE rain is pouring down outside and I must admit that I am experiencing some trepidation about the weather prospects for the end of the month and our music Festival.

I suppose I should take heart from the fantastic weather we have seen recently, particularly over last weekend.

The town centre was absolutely buzzing last weekend for the Streets Ahead Festival.

Everywhere you looked in the town centre something was going on, it was great to see old and young alike enjoying the comedy, music and acrobatics of the numerous acts.

In Wednesday's BEN, Mercedes Jordan wrote an extremely complimentary letter about Streets Ahead, having thoroughly enjoyed the day. I think she speaks for the majority of visitors.

THE spectre of out-of-town retailing continues to dog Bolton town centre and district centres such as Horwich and Westhoughton in the form of the Factory Outlet application for the Middlebrook site.

The Public Inquiry for this proposal is scheduled to take place June 27 to 30 this year.

We are continuing to raise funds to employ legal representation and will be contacting businesses to secure their support over the next few days.

Having already passed the half way mark we are confident that with the support of town centre businesses we can raise the necessary funds to ensure that the town centre and other smaller centres interests are protected.

THE Civic Trust are putting up a new Award for the Bolton in Bloom Competition this year and are throwing down the gauntlet to town centre businesses.

The trophy will be awarded to the best town centre display and entrants can either enter on their own behalf or be nominated by someone who feels that the business involved deserves recognition.

In a year in which not only do we have the local and regional competitions but Bolton is also representing the North-west in the Britain In Bloom competition there is a fantastic opportunity for business to work together to create bright and vibrant displays.

Any businesses seeking sponsorship opportunities in the town centre can contact this office in the first instance.

CONGRATULATIONS and best wishes to Bolton's new Mayor and Mayoress, Cllr Alan Wilkinson and his wife Denise.

I am sure they will work tirelessly over the coming year to promote the interests of Bolton and Boltonians.

WITH this paper is your free copy of the Bolton Town Centre Company's new publication.

Make sure you hang on to your copy because it provides comprehensive details of the upcoming Music Festival in Bolton town centre together with numerous useful tips on where to go for what in the town centre.

This is the first of a quarterly newsletter, look out for the next edition in August.

Have a great weekend - I hope the weather improves and, don't forget, get down to the town centre between Thursday May 25 and Monday May 29 for Bolton World of Music Festival -- you never know you may even see yourself on TV.

Don't forget that if you want to have your say about the town centre, drop us a line -- and don't forget to pick up a copy of our newsletter.

Karen Wheeldon

Bolton Town Centre Limited

Management Offices

Market Hall

Knowsley Street

Bolton

BL1 2AR

Tel: 01204 523762

Fax: 01204 523659

Email:

enquire@boltontowncentre.co.uk