MORE than 5000 signatures have been collected from our table in the Market Hall in support of the campaign to retain the Magistrates Court in Bolton town centre.

The target set by the BEN of 20,000 signatures is now in sight! If you haven't had the chance yet to register your protest please take the time to add your name to the petition in the Market Hall to "keep justice local".

Welcome to TK Maxx

No doubt you are all delighted to hear the news that TK Maxx will open in the Gates Centre, Bolton town centre, at the end of April; not only will this provide a welcome boost to jobs but it will also broaden the offer and attraction of the town centre to visitors. We at the Town Centre Company are further delighted to welcome TK Maxx as our newest member.

It is encouraging to know that the newest addition to the town centre appreciates the work we, as a Company, are doing in association with our partners to improve the vitality and viability of the town centre. TK Maxx will be able to take advantage of member benefits including marketing campaigns, security schemes and wider maintenance benefits to name but a few. It is important that we continue to engage town centre businesses in the work we are doing and any business interested in further information about member benefits can contact the office on 01204 523762 and any member of staff will be delighted to outline the advantages your business could achieve by joining the Town Centre Company.

Plenty of reasons to visit

Bolton town centre

A recent letter published in the BEN hinted that, because of the issues surrounding parking in Bolton town centre, why would anyone want to come into the town centre just to shop!

I would like to take issue with a number of the points raised and reiterate my comments, made time and time again since I arrived in Bolton, that the only solution is pay on exit parking. I know that a substantial amount of work has been done by Bolton MBC to assess the feasibility of introducing these systems and it is a high priority both for the Council and the Town Centre company.

All towns and cities have to charge for parking to prevent congestion and the misuse of short stay parking by those employed in the town centre. After all if customers cannot get in to the town centre and park, employment would undoubtedly fall.

Unfortunately town centres continue to find themselves at an unfair disadvantage in respect of parking with out of town shopping centres and, until this balance is redressed, it is the other unique aspects of the town centre that must be considered! Few people come into a town centre to "just shop". In Bolton town centre you can shop, dine, go to the theatre, visit the museum and work, and this list is only the tip of the iceberg! The town centre should be regarded as the outstanding destination it is, with something for everyone -- it is not "just a shopping centre!"

You can live here too

What was I saying earlier? Oh yes, you don't just come into Bolton town centre to shop! You can live here too! Over the last few years there has been a massive rise in the number of residential developments both implemented and planned for Bolton town centre. Town centre living is a vital element of a successful and vibrant economy and the quantity and quality of schemes that have been introduced in Bolton are indicative of the long term viability of the town centre.

The new scheme proposed for the former cinema on Bradshawgate is yet another welcome investment in the town centre and will undoubtedly result in a more vibrant and sustainable centre.

Karen Wheeldon

Bolton Town Centre Ltd

Market Hall, Knowsley

Street, Bolton, BL1 2AR

Tel-- 01204 523762

Fax -- 01204 523659

e-mail --

karen@boltontowncentre.co.uk

www.boltontowncentre.co.uk