Market forces get ready festivities

FOLLOWING an excellent response to the trial period of the Market Place staying open until 6pm from Monday to Friday, I am delighted to inform you that they have agreed to continue this until at least Christmas.

On the subject of late night opening, I have been meeting with some of the major retailers to sort out hours during the festive season.

Thursday late night opening will extend to 9pm from November 25, to tie in with the town centre light switch-on, which is being performed this year by Wanderers' boss Sam Allardyce.

Full festive opening times will be published in the Daytime Night Time Winter edition, which will be free with the Bolton Evening News on November 10. This is our quarterly newspaper full of information on upcoming events including Christmas, information from all your town centre businesses.

This issue will also include a page on our newest initiative, involving the evening economy and the members already signed up to promote a safe and enjoyable evening in Bolton Town Centre.

This is my last opportunity to remind you about the Continental Market in Victoria Square from October 14 to 17. There will be more than 30 traders offering treats from France, Italy, Germany, Belgium and Holland. We have also obtained a licence to sell bottled wines and ciders not available in the UK. The market will be open from 8.30am each day till late!

And more good news -- as part of the Evening Economy initiative the Town Safe Partnership has been working closely with Greater Manchester Passenger Transport and First Manchester to introduce late night bus routes on a Friday and Saturday evening.

This will start on November 5 with eight routes available at a cost of only £2 per fare. If you would like more information on these bus routes please contact First Manchester or our company.

And I know it is only October, but I just thought I would finish by reminding you there are only 79 shopping days till Christmas! Happy bargain hunting!

Cathy Savage

Bolton Town Centre Ltd

Market Hall.

Knowlsey Street, Bolton

Tel 01204 523762