BOLTON is in buoyant mood and we share the general feeling of optimism and confidence in the continued success of our town centre shopping areas.

It was a big day yesterday for both Marks and Spencer and Boots. M and S transferred to its single site Deansgate store and Boots to The Gates Centre. And the town is ready to welcome at least two more major retailers to the centre early next year.

Bolton has already established itself as one of the top shopping venues in the country and looks set to get even better.

But there is no room for complacency. As we have stated before the town centre must be kept attractive. There should be enough public toilets and our streets kept litter free if we are to attract more shoppers and tourists.

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