THE best way to assess a town's heritage is through its buildings. They are a simple means of recording both progress and decay.

Historically, places like Bolton have enduring architectural treats on offer. So, it is worrying that 30 of the borough's most historic and important buildings are now in danger of being lost forever due to neglect and decay.

Bolton Council is developing an action plan to help owners of listed buildings keep them maintained, secure and free from the ravages of wind and water. And this seems a sensible way forward.

The town has already lost many buildings of historic and architectural interest, to both decay and development. Unfortunately, without that important "listed" tag, they are often undervalued and thus unprotected.

The most recent loss is an historic cottage at the back of Smithills Coaching House, which is being demolished because it is has deteriorated beyond repair.

But others under threat include landmark Holy Trinity Church on Trinity Street, Falcon Mill in Halliwell and Gilnow Mill on Spa Road.

Historic buidings' officer Richard Cowley says that considerable progress is under way to conserve Bolton's historic environment, but that there is still plenty of work to be done.

He points out that the buildings at risk are usually empty and that the owners often do not have the cash for their upkeep.

However, it is important that Bolton Council have recognised that such buildings transcend individual resident's situations. There is a bigger overview that dictates that our important structures -- and important for a variety of community reasons -- should be properly maintained, and saved.

Without this commitment -- and presumably the necessary cash -- we face a poor visual future indeed in a town that proudly shows much of its history in its bricks and mortar.********* Police pursuits THERE is bound to be concern today about the matter of police pursuits, following the death of a Bolton man and serious injuries to four more people.

The position of the police when individuals threaten to run amok in stolen vehicles is a difficult one. But, the public needs reassurance that all reasonable precautions are taken to safeguard both the public and all concerned in these regrettable incidents.