Culture centre bid for town

Business leaders and council chiefs hope that Bolton -- considered one of the top shopping centres in Greater Manchester -- will attract more visitors for its culture, nightlife and street entertainment.

They hope that Bolton will follow the lead set by Edinburgh during its annual festival. Victoria Square could host a range of top events to rival those held in Scotland's capital city, with street entertainers attracting crowds from around the region.

During the Edinburgh Festival, the city's Royal Mile -- leading up to Edinburgh Castle -- is packed with tourists enjoying street entertainment.

The plans to introduce more entertainment and culture was revealed at a meeting to discuss the regeneration of the town centre attended by Bolton's businessmen and culture lovers.

Keith Davies, the town's deputy director of education and culture, said the proposals were being "seriously considered".

He said it was the council's intention to make Bolton a town to visit -- as well as shop.

Mr Davies added: "The council is eager to hear what the people of Bolton as a whole feel about this idea. We are considering all the ideas put forward."

One supporter of the scheme, Margaret Wilkinson, of Tonge Moor Road, Bolton, said: "Bolton needs to follow the lead set by Edinburgh. We can put on street entertainment tomorrow at no cost to the council.

"It's wonderful to see people expressing themselves in Edinburgh and seeing visitors enjoying the spectacles without hassle from police or local authorities."

Many people at the meeting held at the Patagonia Cafe, Bradshawgate, said Bolton should do more to attract street entertainers.

There was backing too for a cultural centre to be created in Bolton.

Brian Tetlow, of the Bolton Civic Trust, said: "There needs to be a place in the town where people can be entertained and I would also like to see Trinity Church, on Trinity Street, used as a cultural centre."