THE paint on the acclaimed Bolton Market Hall still looked shiny when the first Hool's herballist stall opened for business.

It was 1872 and Richard Lawrence Hool decided to interest the people of Bolton in tinctures, home-made medicines and loose herbs. The Victorian population were gradually improving their health and had a growing interest in natural remedies, so the business thrived.

He was succeeded by three generations of John Hools, including the current owner Lawrence Hool's father. Lawrence, now aged 55, took over the business in 1978 and today works alongside his 23 year-old daughter, Jane Scully.

Today, however, he believes the future is uncertain. "I am devastated by this latest plan," he said. "We are a community in the Market Hall, and it would be very difficult to relocate businesses elsewhere.

"This is where we are known, and it is easy for people to find us."

He is also fearful of the influence of big business on trading conditions. "We are not like bigger businesses who have plenty of people working for them and so can open when they like," he added. "We cannot be as flexible.

"The danger now is that the unique quality of this Market Hall will change."

His stall not only sells all kinds of alternative and complementary medicines but has weighing machines where hundreds of people record their weight each week.

Customers also come from all over the area or ring to ask health advice.

"We have made many friends over the years," said Mr Hool.