I DISCOVERED a few days ago that my PA, Tricia Laalej, is the winner of a competition promoted recently in the Chamber magazine, Bolton and Bury's Best PA, sponsored by the Village Hotel and Leisure Club.

I have to say that the award is richly deserved and we are delighted that Tricia has been rewarded for her outstanding performance. We are very fortunate that the Town Centre Company employs a number of very talented individuals and I would like to take this opportunity to thank them all for their hard work and dedication, while congratulating Tricia and wishing her and her husband an enjoyable stay at one of the Village hotel complexes, her justly deserved prize!

High praise for town centre:

It was nice to read a couple of letters this week from visitors to the town centre who were moved to write to the BEN following good experiences in the town centre.

Unfortunately, as we all know, most people only tend to put pen to paper when they have a complaint to make. Of course this is natural, but it is nice to read something positive every now and then!

It is heartening to hear that pupils from a local rural school enjoyed their day trip to the town centre, made even more special by the kindness and helpful attitude of all those they encountered. Northerners have always had a reputation for their friendly natures and kindness.

Boltonians are no exception to this rule, as was demonstrated by the gentleman that recently helped out a young man suffering with diabetes. Such stories are not only heart-warming, but are a testament to the good service and experiences visitors to the town centre can hope to receive.

The other side of the coin:

As mentioned earlier, we also hear from people within the BEN letters page that have not had good experiences on recent visits to the town centre. Often these complaints are linked to the decriminalised parking wardens. We are aware that mistakes are made and if followed up through the correct channels these mistakes can be rectified.

The wardens are not there to create misery for visitors to the town, but to ensure that illegally parked cars do not block the highway resulting in traffic chaos and frustration and annoyance for visitors. Where people are parked correctly they should not receive a ticket and we would urge people to park on the town centre car parks, where not only are disabled spaces available, but investment has been made for the provision of security schemes.

Yes, there is a cost to parking, but this cost is no more than petrol would cost to an out of town destination where the range of stores and services cannot compare to the town centre.

Work is being undertaken to bring in new investment to the town centre that will assure its future as a major sub-regional centre. Changes have been made to ensure that the streets are cleaned at times that are more effective and the town centre has Home Office accreditation as a Safer Shopping destination.

There has been a lot of work done to improve trading conditions. Few of these things have an immediate effect but they will become apparent eventually. So, come on, support your town centre today to ensure it becomes the town centre you would wish for tomorrow!

Karen Wheeldon

Bolton Town Centre Limited

Market Hall, Knowsley Street

Bolton

BL1 2AR

Tel: 01204 523762

Fax: 01204 523659

E-mail: Karen@boltontowncentre.co.uk