STORMS battered the Market Hall yesterday, forcing shoppers to dodge raindrops leaking through the glass roof.

Staff placed more than a dozen yellow buckets around the shopping centre to stop puddles forming on the floor.

But, say traders, it is a problem which blights the showpiece building whenever there is heavy rain.

Managers promise to fix the current leaks "over the next few days". They are waiting for the winds to die down before sending workmen to repair the structure. DJ Pilling, manager of cake decorating stall Spencer Marris, said: "It's about time something was done because the buckets look unsightly.

"In the winter, it happens quite often but usually there are only three or four buckets."

Towards the middle of the centre, six buckets were used to catch raindrops and others were dotted throughout the building. The roof dates back to 1850 and frequently leaks. Rod Neesham, centre manager, said repairs made today may have to be done again in six months.

He added: "It looks worse than it is with all of the yellow buckets out but this is the type of trouble you get with these roofs.

"The problem could be due to one of a number of factors. The seals may have worn or the louvre windows may not have closed properly because of the wind. We keep on top of the repairs." The cost of fixing the roof is not thought to be too much, however. A trader said: "I've been here for four years and it has happened virtually from day one.

"Trade can be bad enough without putting shoppers off with a leaky roof. It doesn't look very professional."

A BOLT of lightning hit a wall in Heaton, reducing it to rubble during a heavy storm.

The small perimeter wall, on Bowen Street, Heaton, crumbled into the road at 6pm yesterday.

There were no injuries or traffic hold-ups. The mess was cleared away by Bolton Council workmen.