HOW could anyone show the photograph of Bolton on the front page of the Bolton Evening News (Tuesday June 7) and use the heading "Bolton and Proud of it".

All I could see was a concrete mess of character buildings! The only saving grace was the Town Hall standing proud in the background!

I would like to tell the council that the damage has already been done - we are already a cloned town. It started years ago when Churchgate had the ugliest office buildings erected on the sight of the old cinema, when unfortunately the Bolton Evening News offices were also erected.

While driving down St George's Road, my mum and I commented on the block of flats at the right hand side at the traffic lights. How ugly, they look - like a giant toilet block. Once we had an old fire station. Did the planners keep the exterior and build apartments inside as has been done with the old County Grammar School in Great Moor Street?

No. Now we have another block of flats. Keep going past the horrendous market where we once had a thriving outdoor and indoor market full of character, then go to the Town Hall Square, sit on the horrid marble seats, look around at about the only bit of history left in the town centre.

Carry on to Bradshawgate and Deansgate and be "amazed" at all the bars and cafes where shops used to be, where people once shopped during the day. Now it's only used at night.

Now the council is totally ignoring the petition signed by thousands regarding the Market Hall.

So, sorry Bolton Civic leaders, why bother asking us, you will only ignore our opinions anyway.

Mrs Jackie Webb

Sandford Close

Harwood