BOLTON town centre seems to have more canvassers than shoppers.

IRMA HEGER does her own consumer survey on whether we want to be pestered by people asking us if we want a catalogue, would take part in a questionnaire or want to make a legal claim. IS it possible to shop in Bolton without being pestered? That is the question many town centre shoppers fed up of being stopped by canvassers, market researchers and sales people are asking. We all know it is their job to get our attention so they can offer us a catalogue, questionnaire or the opportunity to make a legal claim.

But these unsolicited offers often go down like a lead balloon when we are rushing around during our precious lunch hour, or are on a peaceful shopping trip with the family.

Jessica Robinson is unimpressed with the barrage of bids for her attention.

And she has a message for the canvassers: "Next time I may not be so polite."

The 36-year-old mum, who has two small sons, said: "Within the space of 50 feet and five minutes I was approached by six insistent sales people. They offered me catalogues or the chance to claim against injury.

"Three of the saleswomen were from the same company and two of them pounced on me as I was sitting on a bench, bottle in hand, feeding my 10-month-old son.

"I understand these people are only earning a living, but I have a message for these rather demanding people.

"Next time you see a parent feeding their child, do not encroach on their privacy. I, for one, may not be so polite with my answer."

She is approached "more or less" every time she visits Bolton town centre from Westhoughton, regardless of whether she has a crying baby on her hands or not.

"There should be some restriction," she said. "Is it just me or are other people being harassed by these people emerging from the woodwork, who do not take 'No thanks' for an answer?

"If I require the services of these people I will go to them. I never seem to be approached when I am shopping in Manchester or Wigan."

So why do these sales, claims and research people work in this way?

Littlewoods customer services manager Eric Steel said their employees on the streets are called "front line marketing" staff. And contrary to what shoppers might expect, this form of marketing comes a distant second to their mailings to people's homes.

Mr Steel said mailings, such as those put inside glossy magazines, attract 80 per cent of new customers, while only 20 per cent come because of front line marketing.

The benefit of front line marketing is being able to explain the "benefit of the catalogue" through "face to face" contact, he added.

This includes talking to mums like Jessica about children's fashion, for instance.

But Mr Steel could "completely understand" that she felt her privacy was invaded when approached while feeding her young son.

He advised anyone with complaints about staff behaviour to write to the company, based at the John Moore Centre in Liverpool, where managers can investigate the problem.

"We would appreciate feedback from people," he said.

Complaints are not frequent, however, as the vast majority of staff have more than 15 years experience or more of front line marketing for Littlewoods, said Mr Steel.

So are there any restrictions on this type of marketing?

A Bolton Council spokesman said there was no legislation covering this type of activity as neither street trading or charity licensing regulations apply.

"It's a public highway and they are not trading or asking for money," he said.

But town centre manager Karen Wheeldon is not happy with these particular town centre workers and believes the practice should be curbed.

"I think most people find it offensive and I think we need to do something about it. It's a nuisance."

She has spoken to Bolton Council about the "steps that can be taken" against their presence as a clause in the Highways Act could allegedly stop them being on the streets without permission.

"We are going to keep on about this issue and I'm sure something will be done."

But according to Ms Wheeldon the problem in Bolton is no worse anywhere else.

"I speak to town and city centre managers across the country and it's the same everywhere," she said.

A town hall employee, who wished to stay anonymous, said she is approached "all the time".

Like a lot of people, she turned down the offer of a Littlewoods winter catalogue and explained: "I've got my stock answers. I usually say I'm too busy -- and they say things like: 'I get paid even if you don't order anything'.

"And I'll say: 'It will save a few trees'. If I wanted a catalogue I'd arrange for one, without it being pushed onto me. It's an annoyance."