IT is heartbreaking to see the deterioration of Bolton's town centre. The diminishing number of quality shops, the empty premises, the draconian parking policies!

Just when is the council going to wake up to the fact that people are deserting the town in favour of such customer-friendly venues as Middlebrook and the Trafford Centre, etc?

I can remember the Bolton of old when the town centre had a life to it! It did not feel like a ghost town after 5pm. The banning of traffic in the many pedestrian areas certainly adds to the feeling of isolation and vulnerability to people daring to walk to and from car parks and bus stations. Victoria Square is like a muggers' paradise, complete with its own on-the-spot mortuary slabs!

I rarely shop in Bolton now because the parking is too expensive. I paid my last visit in mid-December and parked on the Central Street car park at 4.10pm. I paid £1.90 for two hours' parking.

Low and behold, on the windscreen were Season's Greetings from your friendly parking attendant! At 5.25pm, he had noted that my car was not displaying a valid pay and display ticket. (Obviously the ticket had become un-stuck and had fallen to the floor). I was told to pay £30 now or £60 after 14 days.

I had to make a special journey to their offices in Chorley Street. After producing the original ticket, I had to complete a "challenge" form to their fixed penalty. They could not make a decision there and then, they would write to me in due course

I received a letter advising me that after careful consideration they would waive the £30 charge. They point out that the council's policy is to allow ONE cancellation when a pay and display ticket is produced after a notice has been issued.

"Good Luck" to the shopkeepers and businesses that are trying to challenge the council's ostrich-like attitude to the plight of the town centre. Towns need people. Shops need customers. Bolton council needs to take its blinkers off.

Mrs M Campbell

Bolton