From the Evening News, January 23, 1977

BOLTON'S oldest public baths and its combined dance hall is likely to be demolished because of its dangerous condition. The Council has applied for special permission to pull down the building in Lower Bridgeman Street.

The baths and combined Alnor Hall is listed as a building of special architectural or historical interest. Built in 1845 by the Bolton Baths Company for £4,800, the building was finally closed down a year ago after declining public use.

It was one of the country's first public pools, and was taken over by the local authority in 1919.

50 YEARS AGO

From the Evening News, January 23, 1952

HAD Turton Tower a ghost? a reader asked.

Ben Brierley, the Lancashire dialect writer, was responsible for the tale that strange noises at midnight used to scare the occupants, and servants would not sleep in one part of the tower as a result.

It was a juicy story while it lasted, but Ben had an equally improbably explanation for a "ghost" which was far from the world of spirits. He says potatoes were stored in one of the top rooms, and a rat seems to have eaten away the sacking. Potatoes rolled down a staircase and created the bumping that had been mistaken for some unearthly visitor walking with a heavy tread up and down. It's a better story than most ghost yarns. It has humour.

125 YEARS AGO

From the Evening News, January 23, 1877

AT the conclusion of the business at a meeting of the Wigan Board of Guardians yesterday, Mr Marsh created great merriment by asking the chairman whether there was a fund under the control of the guardians from which they could give a donation of £5 for a wedding tour? (Laughter) - The Chairman: For a guardian? - Mr Marsh: No, but for a widow at Hindley Green, at present in receipt of out-door relief. I understand a teetotaller is willing to marry her if he can get £5 with her. (Laughter). If that could be done, it would relieve the township to the extent of 4s per week. She has several children, so that we should get them off our hands. (Renewed laughter). Mr Alderman Smith, who was rather sceptical as to the advantages to be derived from the proposed wedding, asked if Mr Marsh could give a guarantee that the family would not come upon the parish hereafter. - Mr Boustead: I think that if the man is deeply in love with the woman he will take her without the £5. (Laughter). - The subject then dropped.