A MAJOR new development could turn around the fortunes of one of Bolton town centre's more run-down streets, according to the leader of Bolton Council.

Cllr Bob Howarth has hailed a West Yorkshire firm's plans to develop one large retail store out of individual units in Oxford Street and Deansgate as good news for the town centre.

He is hoping the proposed development would bring more money and attract more retailers into Oxford Street -- between Victoria Square and Deansgate. The street has been a cause for concern for town hall bosses as a number of shops on the stretch have been left empty.

In April last year, Cllr Howarth called for urgent action to fill vacant shop units on the prime town centre street.

But today, Cllr Howarth said: "This would be good news for the town centre. Oxford Street is more run down than others in the town centre. This may really begin a change in that stretch as retailers usually follow other retailers."

CDP Ltd based in Huddersfield Road, Elland, West Yorkshire has applied for planning permission to change individual units at 16-22 Oxford Street and 63-67 Deansgate into one retail store. The new single store would be a similar size to the former Whitehead's store which closed down on Deansgate last year.

When the Bolton Evening News contacted CDP they said that they were not willing to release details yet about the plans or the type of store.

Cllr Howarth has pledged that the council will do all it can to improve the environment in order to attract more retailers.

He said: "If we can help with anything within our powers we will do it.

"We want to look at the situation and if this is possible, if these plans are likely to come about we will see what we can do with the environment."

The council leader added that the town centre had been greatly improved by the opening of fast food outlet KFC in the former Lloyds' Bank building at the junction of Oxford Street and Deansgate.