I HAVE no idea where your correspondent Alan Smith thinks that he lives, but the Greater Manchester he believes it is simply does not exist.

In the 1970s or thereabouts, a much disliked piece of legislation created an authority known as Greater Manchester County, absorbing the boroughs and county boroughs of such as Bolton, Bury, Rochdale, Oldham, etc.

At about this time were created Greater Manchester Transport (absorbing, with others, Bolton Corporation Transport) and other similar quangos.

Some time later the county authority was abolished, much to the relief of most discerning residents. However, the utilities remained combined, the Greater Manchester in their titles covering only the area of their operations.

Thus Bolton and all the other unwilling participants in that unholy alliance ceased to be part of that alliance. Bolton is not part or Greater Manchester in the administrative sense, except for certain utilities.

I would agree with, but slightly rephrase, your last paragraph, we do not need Greater Manchester as a prop, we are big enough to be known as Bolton throughout England, a sentiment I understand similarly applicable also to residents of Bury, Rochdale etc.

Geographically and historically, Bolton is in Lancashire, and always was, as is the City of Manchester. Why do you think Lancashire County Cricket Club headquarters is in Manchester?

John Harris

Heathfield Drive

Bolton

IHAVE no idea where your correspondent Alan Smith thinks that he lives, but the Greater Manchester he believes it is simply does not exist.

In the 1970s or thereabouts, a much disliked piece of legislation created an authority known as Greater Manchester County, absorbing the boroughs and county boroughs of such as Bolton, Bury, Rochdale, Oldham, etc.

At about this time were created Greater Manchester Transport (absorbing, with others, Bolton Corporation Transport) and other similar quangos.

Some time later the county authority was abolished, much to the relief of most discerning residents. However, the utilities remained combined, the Greater Manchester in their titles covering only the area of their operations.

Thus Bolton and all the other unwilling participants in that unholy alliance ceased to be part of that alliance. Bolton is not part or Greater Manchester in the administrative sense, except for certain utilities.

I would agree with, but slightly rephrase, your last paragraph, we do not need Greater Manchester as a prop, we are big enough to be known as Bolton throughout England, a sentiment I understand similarly applicable also to residents of Bury or Rochdale.

Geographically and historically, Bolton is in Lancashire, and always was, as is the City of Manchester. Why do you think Lancashire County Cricket Club headquarters is in Manchester?