BOLTON’S grandest buildings are stepping out of the dark — thanks to a £170,000 lighting scheme.

A new state-of-the-art system has been designed to highlight the town’s architectural gems and town centre landmarks.

Town Hall chiefs flicked the switch last night, and say the lights will bring out the best of Bolton, attracting more people to the town.

Leader of Bolton Council, Cllr Cliff Morris, said: “We know from research carried out in other cities that have embarked on similar lighting schemes, that people felt more secure and enjoyed being out and about in the centre after dark and we hope the same will apply in Bolton.

“The lights will improve visibility for visitors to the town and will help define the buildings by night, making the town centre more welcoming.

“All these factors will help enhance tourism and increase Bolton’s attractiveness for further investment. The designs have been approved by English Heritage who said the lights would more effectively show the buildings’ architectural heritage.”

Designed by lighting experts Sutton Vane, who have been consulted over plans for the 2012 Olympics, the lights are energy efficient and will cost just £10 a day to run.

The scheme will illuminate the town hall, Le Mans Crescent and the war memorial in Victoria Square. The Grade II listed Victorian town hall — and its 61-metre clock tower — will stand out even more against the night sky.

And buildings along Le Mans Crescent — stretching from Bolton Museum and Art Gallery, along the impressive arches and up to the Magistrates’ Court — will also be lit up to highlight their grandeur.

The Victoria Square war memorial will also benefit from the new lighting system.

Lighting cables are hidden from public view and a computer-controlled system turns the lights on and off automatically. They will be timed to come on at dusk and automatically turn off at midnight.

Brian Tetlow, chairman of Bolton and District Civic Trust, said: “The Town Hall and Le Mans Crescent are architectural jewels in the crown of Bolton. It is lovely to see they have been given the respect they deserve.

“In these rather dismal economic times anything that brightens up our lives is to be commended.

“It contrasts with some of the other historic buildings in Bolton which haven't been treated in quite the same way, such as Clarence Street College. So credit where credit's due.”