SHOPPERS and businessmen have thrown their support behind plans to build a futuristic archway which will become Bolton's newest landmark.

The curved steel structure will support a new railway bridge on Newport Street over the Manchester to Preston line.

It will tower nearly 60 feet above Newport Street and will be the focal point for a sleek "urban boulevard" linking the Trinity Street bus and rail interchange with the town centre.

As revealed in yesterday's Bolton Evening News, the arch and its tensioned cables will be illuminated at night and will replace the old under-strength Victorian railway bridge.

The £2.7 million project is the first stage of a revamp for the southern area of the town centre.

The majority of people asked by the Bolton Evening News backed the proposals and said it would attract visitors and improve the image of the town.

Ron Bryant, landlord of the nearby York Hotel, said: "The southern area of town needs a great deal of redevelopment and, if this bridge comes off, it will certainly improve this part of the town centre.

"I've seen work carried out in other parts of town, so this development has been long overdue. The new bridge along with the refurbished railway and bus interchange will impress visitors."

Ivan Crompton, aged 28, assistant manager of Campcraft in Newport Street, said: "I think Bolton is trying to be like Castlefield in Manchester.

"If they continue to develop this part of town then it will definitely improve the image. People walking from the train station will be impressed to see the new bridge."

Pete Bolton, aged 67, who was visiting Bolton from the Wirral, said: "I think the bridge will much improve the town because there clearly needs to some sort of investment carried out near the railway station."

Vicky Roberts, aged 20, a student at Bolton Institute, said: "I really like the look of the new bridge. People don't have a nice image of the town, so this new bridge will spruce up the area."

Marion Vernal, aged 68, a shopper from Wigan, said: "The area would look a lot nicer if they built the new bridge. It would definitely improve the town and attract more people to visit."

Sisters Hilda Eaves, aged 69, from Ashton-in-Makerfield, and Florence Hilldrup, aged 73, from Great Lever, did not like the proposed bridge.

Hilda said: "I think the new bridge is too modern and does not match with the rest of Bolton. It will not attract more people to come to the town."

What do you think? Write to: The Editor, Bolton Evening News, Churchgate, Bolton, BL1 1 DE, or email: Drop a line...letters@boltoneveningnews.co.uk