LOCAL bigwigs responded well to the news but what did readers think of the £250 million for Crompton Place?

Reviews were mixed but most agreed the town centre needed something.

Robjoy was onboard saying: “This is a good thing! The Crompton Place is on its backside to survive you need to adjust.”

Holby said: “Although many wont admit it, the Market Place is a fantastic success because it is offering people what they want. Times change.”

Out means Out felt differently though saying: “Too little , too late and in completely the wrong direction.”

Interceptorxj said: “I hope Bolton Council are not planning on giving away Crompton Place to gain this investment, they must not be allowed to sell it for any less than they paid for it last year with our public purse, in fact it should be sold for a healthy profit.

"I get the feeling it won’t be.”

Lord Leverhulme I presume said: "Think this is the wrong direction.

"We have a shopping centre in the market hall. They should have just flattened it and left it as green space."