THE £1 million facelift plan for Bolton's Victoria Square will be unveiled this week.

A special exhibition is being held tomorrow, Friday and Saturday to give the public an idea what the famous town hall square could look like in the next century.

The proposals include re-paving the square, re-newing the fountains and possibly moving them closer to the town hall and more tree planting.

It is also possible that the Marks and Spencer charity canopy on Newport Street could be moved near the Octagon car park. Council chiefs stress there are no plans to move the War Memorial, and there could be improved lighting. But the scheme depends on money being made available.

The EC's European Regional Development Fund has earmarked £311,000 towards the project.

But it is conditional on the council matching that amount or finding sponsorship. This grant cannot be used for any other purpose.

Cllr Bob Howarth, Bolton Council leader, said: "The Square is a great asset to the town centre. It makes it special, but it is around 25 years since it was pedestrianised and it is showing its age.

"A re-furbishment is very desirable if funds can be found.

We are approaching a number of sources and will be making a bid for National Lottery cash."

Tomorrow and Friday, the exhibition will be in Victoria Square and on Saturday in Crompton Place. It will be open from 10am-4pm.

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