THE £900,000 revamp of Churchgate has certainly turned it into a picture-postcard area.

Unfortunately, the historic heart of Bolton has also become a social desert.

Apart from on Friday and Saturday nights when its pubs and bars are busy, the place hardly ever seems to attract people.

Its former cosiness has been swapped for a rather austere cleanliness that has all the attraction of a well-maintained fridge.

Festivals and events could make it a lively meeting place but apart from old buildings like the Man and Scythe pub and Ye Olde Pastie Shoppe, it looks devoid of character.