OPTIMISM is one thing, but Cllr Guy Harkin's assessment of the threat to Bolton's shopping centre from Dumplington conjures images of ostriches and sand.

He could be forgiven if his speech at the launch of the Bolton Town Centre Strategy (reported in Friday's BEN) contained a biased view of the town's retail prospects. But, simply to dismiss the attraction to shoppers of Dumplington as "short term" and of interest for "the first two to three months" is totally unrealistic.

Anyone who has eyes in their head to witness the scale of Dumplington, and a passing understanding of the development of other regional towns and cities, would rightly be far more concerned. Shoppers still flock to retail magnets like Meadowhall, where Sheffield city centre traders have had to fight back with far more than hopeful words. The whole retail experience has changed in the last few years; people now flock to out-of-town shopping havens like Dumplington for a day out.

Bolton has its own, unique image and style to offer visitors. It is these that must be exploited and expanded, and quickly.

Yes, this town has plenty to offer. Yes, it CAN counter the threat of such a major development a short trip down the motorway. But it will certainly not do this by pretending Dumplington is not there, and will continue to be there, in tandem with Bolton's town centre, for years to come.

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.