The Bolton News readers have voiced their opinions on what they think Bolton town centre needs the most.

We asked our readers in a social media post what they felt Bolton town centre was most in need of, and we have highlighted a selection below.

One of the most popular suggestions included having more of a variety of shops, whilst others suggested improving the parking fees and making the centre safer and tidier.

Billa Ahmed said: “We need more proper high street shops, where there are lower rates, so businesses come back, and definitely free car parking.”

Many other readers agreed with this, describing it as a “brilliant idea”.

Someone else said they would like to see some swimming baths with slides, and bowling, as well as some entertainment to keep the children busy.

Jane Green said: “Affordable shops that will last longer than a month, a decent swimming baths with slides, and a bowling because there’s nothing for kids in Bolton, other than a cinema.”

Another reader praised Bolton for being a “wonderful place with wonderful people” and said she didn’t know what the answer was but hopes to see Bolton “turn beautiful and bold again”.

Sharron O’Reilly said: “I love Bolton but I’m sad to say that when I visit the centre nowadays, I feel unsafe.

“The parking fee is costly with little to encourage me to shop there.

“There are some fabulous buildings, but the centre looks untidy and unkept.

“I don’t want to be negative; Bolton is a wonderful place with wonderful people.

“Truly, I don’t know what the answer is, but I’m interested to read the suggestions and hope to see our Bolton, turn beautiful and bold again.”

Sarah Morris-Turner spoke of her experience dealing with many investors and from living in the area and explained how she sees the potential for Bolton to be a distinctly cultural hotspot for people to visit.

She said: “There needs to be a significant injection of creative thought to utilise the beautiful buildings, the diverse culture, and the stunning countryside.

“Imagine what could be done if investors and developers put their money into building lifestyle rather than box style developments or apartments.

“Imagine if Moor Lane became a Borough Market style food court to support and grow our amazing existing market.

“Imagine if Churchgate became a restaurant zone.

“Around the Octagon and the Town Hall could be the cultural centre developing the interest from TV companies for filming in the area.

“It is not a case of looking back, we need to look forward in a new way to make our home a place to be envied.”

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If you have a story and something you would like to highlight in the community, please email me at jasmine.jackson@newsquest.co.uk or DM me on Twitter @JournoJasmine.