GHOULIES and ghosties could be banned from Bolton if a father's battle to get rid of Halloween is successful.

Father of three Tom Jones has written to Bolton Council leader Cllr Bob Howarth demanding that Halloween be replaced with a more "wholesome" celebration.

Devout Christian Mr Jones, of Shelbourne Avenue, Smithills, fears that the evil overtones behind the fun festival could lure children into Satanic practices.

Mr Jones, who works with people with learning difficulties for Chorley social services, said: "I am not against children having fun, but I think Halloween should be banned from our schools.

"I think it could be a bad influence for children and I believe it should be replaced with a more wholesome family orientated day.

"Perhaps we could have a day to celebrate the good works of Lord Shaftesbury or Diana, Princess of Wales." Shaftesbury was a world force in fighting the exploitation of children.

Mr Jones hopes his calls for abolishing Halloween will go nationwide and the festival will be taken off the calendar.

He even suggests that, to make his proposal more popular, October 31 could be turned into a public holiday.

"Tony Blair promotes family values. I think this would be an ideal way to do just that.

"I can't seen the positive side of Halloween - it just scares some children," said Mr Jones.

But Cllr Howarth said the council does not have any powers to abolish Halloween within Bolton schools because they each have their own management.

He said: "I'm sure this man is very sincere in his views and I know that some people do get upset by Halloween.

"However I believe that if it is done in a light hearted way it is frankly a bit of a laugh for children.

"I assume that schools concentrate on the fun aspect."

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