SIR: Having read the headline in the BEN (December 30 1997) "Free Sunday parking bonanza for shoppers", I am deeply concerned that Bolton Planning & Environmental Committee have somehow got themselves put under deep hypnosis, and are under the illusion that they are living in the 1970s when Bolton town centre was the only place to shop for miles around.

When I click my fingers .... the committee members will come out of their trance ... the year is 1998.

I am sorry to have to tell you, folks, but while you were all in a dream state things have moved on a bit. Shopping complexes and supermarkets have sprung up all around town, in Horwich, Leigh, Bury and a mega-centre is soon to be completed at Dumplington, just a stone's throw from Bolton town centre along St Peter's Way. Oh, and I would just like to add that the majority of complexes have free parking facilities 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

Welcome back to planet Earth.

David Jack

Crescent Avenue, Over Hulton, Bolton

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