WHAT has happened to the once lovely and thriving old village of Ainsworth between Bolton and Bury?

Not so many years ago it seemed to have a heart and soul of bright and busy shops and other business premises in the centre of the village. But, on driving through Ainsworth the other day, I noticed most of the shops have gone and that even the once popular service station, with its petrol sales, car repair workshop and repainting section, had closed and now stands there looking forlorn and adding to the village's lack of life.

Perhaps the plans for homes which I believe are proposed for the petrol station site and nearby, where a couple of old semi-detached houses were demolished, will bring the area back to life a bit. But at least the glorious displays of daffodils between Bolton and Bury have been a real tonic for travellers this year.

Former main road resident

(Name and address supplied)