BIG Issue managers say people will still be able to support their regular vendors, despite changes to the "pitch" system.

Sellers had complained about the magazine's decision to remove vendors' rights to a regular pitch and, instead, allow four badge-holders to compete for three Bolton town centre locations and said they would lose out under the new system.

But Big Issue regional sales manager, Keith Smith, said: "Vendors currently selling in Bolton will get first refusal on a Bolton badge."