AS a Bolton resident, I write in concern at the growing decline of our town centre.
Some 10 years ago, Bolton as a town had a lot to offer - an excellent indoor and outdoor market, a decent cinema, and also Hollywood Bowl on Shiffnall Street. These days when you visit the outdoor market half the stalls are empty, nobody wants to park because charges are so high.
Over the last few months many businesses have left the town due to rising rents, and more and more people are choosing out of town shopping. As we aim to become a city, we are instead becoming a ghost town.
Altrincham Ice Rink is now to be closed. Bolton Councillors should be able to pass planning permission to build one on the corner of Marsden Road (the old fire station), instead of flats and more shops, when half of the shops in the town centre are closed anyway. Will we end up with another empty eyesore?
As a young single mother of a four-year-old child, I wonder what the future holds. I would rather she had a regular hobby than loiter on the streets. There is currently nothing to offer youngsters or shoppers. Something is needed for our youngsters, and the town's future.
Well done to Bolton's Lads' and Girls' Club.
Miss A M Shaw,
Davenport Street,
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