IN response to Neil Duffield's letter (August 17) regarding the redevelopment of the Market Hall, I think the proposed plans can only mean a positive future for Bolton.

We have seen the development of Manchester and surrounding towns and cities over the last few years, and an interesting part of this is how they have handled restoration work on old buildings.

Many of these beautiful old buildings now house profitable businesses and retailers working in the 21st century.

The development of these towns and cities has shown a rise in visitors and given the local community a town centre to be proud of.

This is where Bolton is falling behind, and we do not want to see our much loved town deteriorating.

The proposed redevelopment of the Market Hall will restore one of Bolton's most historic buildings, and as a crucial part of Bolton's history it should be a place we are proud of.

By redeveloping the Hall to house a modern combination of retailers, I feel that this will provide a shopping centre for the future while maintaining our town's individuality. We have to move with the times, and the redevelopment work will move Bolton with them.

I understand that the Market Hall traders are now being given the opportunity to express their views regarding the proposed redevelopment. By consulting the traders I think this is a fair way for them to decide whether they will remain in the newly refurbished Market Hall, or whether they are relocated to other markets in Bolton town centre.

I look forward to hearing the latest news on the redevelopment and hope that the local community will see that this kind of investment can only be for the good of Bolton.

Mark Robinson

Bolton