WITH reference to the item headlined "More bars on the way in the town centre" (Bolton Evening News, April 3), does Bradshawgate really need more trendy cafe bars?

There are already enough pubs/late licence premises in the area and, don't forget, the short-lived Cafe Bar 2-10, which recently closed.

What Bolton town centre needs is a decent-sized venue for live music and comedy, with an adequate sound and lighting system, so that groups and artists can showcase their material, instead of having to go out of town to venues like The Roadhouse in Manchester.

As the recent Radio One on-the-road weekend proved, there is an abundance of local talent, but no real venue in Bolton for them to perform.

I am a firm believer of live music and recall seeing The Charlatans perform an early gig at the now, sadly, closed Crown and Cushion, Mealhouse Lane, before they became big on the Indie music scene.

The old ABC cinema building is still boarded up and I keep preaching on to various people about how the building could easily be transformed. If this is not possible, why doesn't some entrepreneur or developer create a purpose-built venue on the site of the old fire station?

Oh, I forgot, Bolton Council want more people living in "posh" apartments in and around the town centre. But where will these new townies go for their entertainment? Answer -- out of town.

You only need to be at Bolton station at the weekend to see the amount of locals travelling to Manchester, Wigan or Blackpool for their "nights-out" to know that Bolton has not got what the majority of people require for a complete night of entertainment.

Last year Bolton had the slogan "see it live". May I suggest a new slogan for this year -- "Bolton -- get a decent live scene"?

A crowded pub is no way to appreciate the talents of future hit groups, without a proper sound system.

Dedicated live music lover

Bolton