THE decision by the Bank of England's Monetary Policy Committee to cut interest rates to four per cent has been welcomed in Bolton.

Andrew Ratcliff, Chief Executive of Bolton and Bury Chamber, said: "Businesses will welcome news which will help shore up the economy and ease pressures for our local manufacturers. It will also, hopefully, ensure that the consumer-side of the economy continues to bear up against current economic instability.

"While these interest rate cuts are welcome, they are by no means a panacea for manufacturers, and we look to the government to demonstrate strong support for this troubled sector in its forthcoming Pre-Budget report."