I MOVED away from Bolton over 30 years ago. Whenever I return, the town centre is either about to be changed, or has just been changed.

Last month my daughters, aged 26 and 28, visited their grandmother here, thoroughly enjoyed shopping in the Market Hall and adjoining shopping complex, and were horrified to hear it was all to be redeveloped.

Between us, my mother, myself and my daughters represent three generations, all united in our bewilderment at this new project.

It will do nothing for the vunerable buildings, full of character, adjacent to it. The new design looks like the bow of a ship. Still, that doesn't matter does it? It won't be here long!

If you want to attract shoppers to Bolton town centre, try matching the free parking available at out-of-town malls such as Middlebrook. That is the chief disincentive, together with the privately employed parking wardens.

Otherwise, who would not prefer a lovely old town centre, full of character and compact enough to shop in without over walking?

Helen Beaney

Former Bolton resident