My wife and I recently visited Bolton town centre. We lived in Bolton for a number of years and always enjoyed the shops, market hall and the outdoor market as many Bolton residents did.

We first saw a decline with the outdoor market with the reduction and quality of the fish market. Next came the closing of the market hall for its new development which cannot compete with Trafford Park as it is a very poor relation and imitation.

Many large and established stores have closed and moved on, which also contributed to the decline of the town centre (although a lot of money has been spent on the bus and train centre area and there the buck stops!)

The centre when we went in was not welcoming and indeed frightening to walk around due to many beggars, drunks and drinking. What was worse was evidence of drug users and drug trafficking.

It was very sad and emotional to see what Bolton now has become. Compare this to Bury with a thriving indoor and outdoor markets and the fresh food market.

We cannot believe the councillors and planners have nothing to offer to arrest this decline and bring Bolton people back to the one bustling pleasant and vibrant town that its history offered. It’s very very sad

William Atherfold