Whenever I read Councillor Nick Peel’s much-quoted soundbite ‘The way people shop has changed ... in Bolton we are working to shift the focus away from retail...’ I am driven to wonder why things are so very different in Bury where a traditional high street and vibrant market seem to be thriving.

Are the shoppers thronging Bury’s many retail outlets actually Boltonians who can no longer find what they need in their own town?

Perhaps like me that are taking advantage of the wonderful, capped bus fares to spend their money in a different town.

Then I wonder, if we were to speak to Bury Council nicely, might they be willing to take Bolton over and show us how it is done.

Come on Councillor Peel, change the records - this one’s getting worn.

SUSAN LOFTUS