Bolton Council responds as Clintons prepares to leave town centre

The Bolton News revealed that Clintons on Market Street will be leaving the town centre.

Despite repeated calls for a comment, the high street card shop has so far failed to comment.

But the announcement comes just weeks after Marks and Spencer bosses said they would be closing the store on Deansgate, which has been described as a huge blow to the town.

Town hall chiefs say the challenges facing the high street are not unique to Bolton.

A spokesperson for Bolton Council said: “Any high street closure is disappointing, not just for shoppers but especially for the staff affected.

READ MORE: Clintons Cards is set to leave Bolton town centre

“This is a challenging time for retail as shopping habits change, but this problem is not unique to Bolton as big names are pulling out of towns and cities across the UK.”

READ MORE: Bolton Reacts after Marks and Spencer

Two years ago, chocolatier Thorntons also shut it’s Bolton store, and shortly after, all of its remaining UK branches followed suit.

One of Bolton Council’s primary focuses is a commitment to turning the fortunes of the town centre around, however.

Developments taking place in Bolton. Pictures by Paul Heyes

The spokesperson added: “We have a comprehensive town centre regeneration plan in place that will boost footfall by increasing our residential, hospitality, and leisure offer.”

Backed by the government’s Towns Fund, work is well underway to modernise Bolton Market, add a food hall and expand the outdoor area.

And there are a number of separate redevelopment projects all close to one another underway at Black Horse Street and Ashburner Street.

READ MORE: Bolton Town Centre Masterplan: What is happening now and in the future

There is also a major refurbishment of Bolton Central Library taking shape, which is also being funded by the government’s Towns Fund.

“Many developments are already underway, and we continue to seek further private sector investment, including at our upcoming Invest in Bolton event on Thursday,” the council spokesperson said.

The sold out Invest in Bolton event is taking place from 8am onwards at the Albert Halls and will host panels which will include representatives from Peel L&P, Bolton Wanderers, Capital and Centric, The University of Bolton, Deloitte, and Bolton Council, among others.