ALL over the country, town councillors are being urged by English Heritage and other like-minded organisations to re-think the lay-out of their high streets, to get away from the "sameness" of the coffee chains, fast food outlets, and the photo shops, and to return to individuality and local traders.

The one thing that Bolton has at the moment is its Market Hall, with individuality and local traders. It is different from other shopping experiences and, as nice as the Market Place is, it offers nothing different from all the other towns in the area. No one would travel from Blackburn, Bury or Wigan to shop here, they have exactly the same shops at home.

In a world where "futuristic" has become synonymous with "sameness and "ordinary", Bolton Council should look to be at the forefront of this trend and build on its strong position of individuality to maintain Bolton's place as a real shopping attraction.

Think again Bolton Council.

P A Parry

(Address supplied)