"During the last few days," reported the paper in 1921, "the principal gasometer in Lum Street has been an object of great interest to two sets of Bolton people.

To those who live on the eastern side of the town its aspect has been dominating, as it gradually rose to its full height for the completion of its new coats of strong red paint; while short-sighted people in the Smithills neighbourhood have wondered at the huge strangely-shaped building which gleamed in the sun. Incidentally, to the unlearned in these matters, the sight of a full gasometer has given a false sense of security, for many people imagine that so great a container must hold at least several week's supply. As a matter of fact, even on the present restricted supply, the gasometer will hold only one day's consumption. Our photographer has given a close up view of the monster, but even at a distance its size is impressive, its height (130 feet) dwarfing every other building in the area."