I FEEL I had to reply to town centre manager Cathy Savage's column in the Bolton Evening News on Marks and Spencer's application to open a store on Middlebrook.

Why does she think all customers should go to Bolton to shop?

We all have a free choice as to where we shop, and, yes, I shop in Bolton myself. Manchester and Wigan customers want something different and better, so they shop around.

I know Bolton Council have asked stall holders and the public about Ashburner Street, but what about the Market Hall, The Water Place, and that hideous white piece of scrap called a bridge?

I haven't heard one good thing about it from Boltonians - they all think it's an eyesore.

Boltonians weren't asked about those things.

It's time councillors and people elected by the people did what they were elected for to ask the local community what they want, listen and act, not do as they wish.

I live in Atherton, and I am sick of seeing the number 582 buses going past every few minutes to Bolton. We have one bus to Middlebrook every hour - when it turns up.

Oh, by the way, you can spend as little or as much as you choose on Middlebrook, parking is free all day.

Mr T Jackson

Leigh Road

Atherton