Bolton Town Centre Manager Cathy Savage with her fortnightly briefing from the Town Centre Company

YOU should be noticing some improvement to the town centre with renewal of the popular seating on Deansgate between The Royal Bank of Scotland and Waterstones.

Fourteen replacement seats will be installed in back-to-back linear grouping down the centre of the street, which should allow better pedestrian access down both sides.

I believe a traditional form of seating has been chosen for maximum comfort and to aid disabled/elderly use.

The intention is to present Bolton Town Centre as a great business, retail and living location with tradition and a forward-thinking attitude.

This is the beginning of an ongoing investment programme by Bolton Council, focused on the pedestrianised areas of the town centre and intends to deliver noticeable improvement to the town landscape.

Meanwhile, Crompton Place Shopping Centre has a new manager. Ken Graham is a very experienced and well-respected centre manager who has worked in shopping centres all over the world, including Egypt and Poland.

He is looking forward to the challenges Bolton has to offer and to ensure that Crompton Place remains a successful and vibrant part of the local community

Bolton Town Centre is a must to visit over the next few weeks with lots of activities planned to entertain all the family.

This Saturday at 10.30am the Mayor will be in the Market Hall to present the Rotary Club of Bolton Le Moors "Cup of Kindness" Awards, for meritorious work in the community. Nominations came from schools and organisations involving young people.

Tickets are selling fast for the Live Alliance music Festival sponsored by the Big W, as part of the 750th celebration of the granting of the Charter to Bolton.

The concert takes place at the Victoria Halls on Friday, May 2, from 7pm-10pm. Afterwards you will have a chance to mingle with the stars of the show at the Man & Scythe in Churchgate. Tickets are available from the pub, Booths Music, also on Churchgate, The Tourist Information Centre in the Town Hall (entrance opposite Whitakers) or our office tel 01204 52376.

Bring the family into town on Saturday, May 3, to see the "Busking Bolton" competition sponsored by Crompton Place.

This will take place around Victoria Square, Nelson Square and between Crompton Place and Marks & Spencer, culminating with the best busker being announced at 4pm in Crompton Place. DBBC/Bolton Market Radio is also joining in with their music road show on Victoria Square.

Also on Saturday, May 3, The Market Place members of Barnside Modern Jive Dance School will appear on the patio next to Index where dancers will display jiving skills between 11am and 4pm. They would love you to join the fun and learn to jive.

If you are interested in childcare, a must for your diary is the annual Childcare Exhibition by the Early Years Development and Childcare Partnership in Victoria Square on May 30 & 31.

This year's exhibition will also include training advice and childcare placement. Last year thousands of people flocked to the event and I am sure this year's event will be even more popular.

On Friday, May 30, Bolton Market Radio road show will entertain you or if you come down on the Saturday, Tommy Tower will be there for the children with the Tower FM road show.

On June 6 & 7, Bolton Town Centre Ltd will be hosting the annual Fashion, Health & Beauty Exhibition in a large marquee on Victoria Square.

I mentioned in my last column that we were offering a lucky member of the public the opportunity to be in the fashion show. I have had a tremendous response, but not too late if you want to enter.

Cathy Savage

Bolton Town Centre Ltd

Market Hall

Knowsley Street

Bolton

Tel 01204 523762

Fax 01204 523659

Email:catsava@aol.com