BOLTON town centre has Santas galore, snowflakes, tinsel and twinkling lights to mark the festive season -- but there seems to be no room at the inn, or the shopping centre, for baby Jesus.

BEN reader Christine Skiffington complained that, while the town's shops are ringing to the sound of jingling tills, there are no prominent reminders of the birth of Christ, apart from a nativity display at car dealers Ian Antony.

Mrs Skiffington, of Glencoe Drive, Breightmet, has written to Bolton Town Centre Company and Bolton Council to point out the lack of a nativity scene.

"There is one in the town hall but, unless you happen to be visiting the Albert Halls, you don't get the chance to see it," said Mrs Skiffington.

The St Osmund's RC Church member says that, while she realises that there are worries that a nativity scene left outside could be a target for vandals, she is sure an eye-catching spot could be found in one of the busy shopping centres.

"If there are shoppers walking around then it is not going to get vandalised," she said. "I do feel we could have a few feet somewhere so people can pause and think about the meaning of Christmas. After all, without the crib there is no Christmas."

Bolton Town Centre Company manager Karen Wheeldon said she agreed with Mrs Skiffington's concerns.

"It would be nice to have something outside but it is not practical."

She added that shopping centres have their own themes for decorations and if they are going to install something like a Santa grotto, health and safety rules may not allow anything else.

But she added that the religious element of Christmas had not been ignored as carol services are being held in the town centre.

"We try to strike the balance to provide as much as possible to cater for all tastes," she said.