TO most people Halloween means pumpkins cut into faces and bobbing for apples.

But father-of-three, Tom Jones, sees "evil" overtones behind the festival which could lure children into Satanic practices.

No doubt Mr Jones is wholly sincere in his sentiments, but we think he is wide of the mark.

Mr Jones is so convinced that Halloween is a bad influence for children that he wants it replacing with a "more wholesome family orientated day and wants it banning not only in Bolton but nationwide. It upsets some children, he claims.

Most children are more robust than to be scared by an evening devoted to ghoulies and ghosties and we are more inclined to the view of Cllr Bob Howarth who thinks that if Halloween is dealt with in a light-hearted way, it is "a bit of a laugh for children".

One thing that should be banned, however, is the American-influenced "trick or treat" nonsense where children go from house to house asking for small gifts.

This is not only potentially dangerous for children, but can be frightening for elderly people who may be reluctant to answer their doors after dark.

Let's keep the Halloween fun safely indoors.

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