IN times when most towns appear almost identical, it is good news that the historic clock tower outside Bolton's railway station is back in action.

Twenty years after the tower was moved from the original Trinity Street building to its new position outside the revamped bus interchange the £30,000 restoration project has been completed.

To some the fact that a long-broken clock is now working may seem like a minor improvement, but as far as Bolton as a town is concerned it is the restoration of a well-known landmark.

On a simple and practical level it is useful for a train station to have a working clock outside it.

As far as tradition is concerned, the clock and its tower, which date back to 1899, are an important part of Bolton's history and the restoration marks the beginning of what transport bosses hope will be a transformation of the interchange area.

It is the gateway to the town and should be made to look as attractive and as in keeping with Bolton's history as possible.