DOES Councillor Bob Howarth walk Bolton with his eyes shut?

I was born in Bolton 70 years ago and was proud to be Boltonian. Now it is ranked as one of the worst towns -- dirty, depressing and mostly derelict, especially in the town centre. Empty shops and office blocks, loads of "for sale" or letting boards, mainly due, I suspect, to the high rates etc. All Bolton consists of now is take-aways, pubs and cafes -- no decent shops. Even the Market Hall is losing some of its earlier appeal through high parking charges, which discourage people from entering the town.

So open your eyes, Mr Howarth, and take a proper view of the town.

A Smethurst

Crediton Drove, Bolton