THE two articles in the Bolton Evening News on April 4 and 5 from Cllr Bob Howarth and Mr Ian Taylor make very interesting reading.

Bolton MBC in general and Cllr Howarth in particular should realise that, although Middlebrook and the Trafford Centre may have contributed to the boarding up of shops in Knowsley Street and nearby Newport Street, the biggest single reason why the shops are closed is obviously too few customers to cater for.

We might ask ourselves why so many shoppers have deserted one of our main shopping areas.

Basically it has very little to do with either of the two centres mentioned, it is more likely due to the draconian measures being excercised by our prowling traffic wardens.

With the overheads of running a car so high, it is only natural that people will want to use their vehicles whenever possible to go on their shopping trips.

Since a £40 or £60 fine could be there to meet them when they return, is it any wonder that the preferred choice is elsewhere?

T Kay

Rossall Road

Bolton