THE Market Hall - do we want the proposed changes or, indeed, do we need the changes?

An emphatic 'no' from us in Bolton. Go to most towns and you may as well be at home because most of the shops are identical.

Bolton is slowly losing its unique qualities - its wealth of independent traders.

Ask my relatives in North Wales. Not long ago, a Colwyn Bay travel agent had a poster advertising a day trip to "Bolton Market". Need I explain why they don't come to Bolton any more?

If we want the big shops, we can have a trip to Manchester city centre or the Trafford Centre. Bolton will never ever be able to compete with these two.

In Chorley, just about every shop is an independent. I counted six quality butchers within a short walking distance. I ask: Where have all the butchers gone in Bolton?

I am an independent trader and I travel to my customers. I have nothing to do with furniture, but not long ago an 84-year old-lady asked me to polish the legs on her Queen Anne table as she had rheumatism and she couldn't reach. Did I polish the legs? Of course, I did.

Can you imagine a multinational doing that. The point is, independents usually give a better service and that's what customers prefer.

George Whitlow

Solent Drive

Bolton