JUST a few words to express my sadness to read in The Bolton News that the building which housed the Odeon cinema is to be demolished.

As a young teenager during the 1930s I watched the erection of this building, often sneaking inside by a side door to watch the building work.

I particularly remember being impressed by the whole area being scaffolded from floor to ceiling, and the installation of the biggest RSJ (girder) I had ever seen, which was used to support the entire seating area in the circle. In fact the removal of this girder may well present a few problems during the demolition work.

It is great pity that the building has lost its usefulness, particularly as it was so well built at the time and provided such a wonderful cinema for so many people in the Bolton area.

Leslie Wolstenholme Parkgate Drive Astley Bridge.