THE ATROCITIES committed last week in the USA resulting in untold suffering for many families cannot have failed to have touched the people of Bolton.

Those responsible must be caught and brought to justice. It is important, however, that we are mindful of the fact that these acts are perpetrated by an organised and militant breed of terrorists and we must ensure, as decent human beings, we do not seek to blame any race or creed within our own community.

If the murderous events of last week are proved to be those of extremists linked to the Islamic faith, we need to ensure that the people of Bolton work together to ensure that members of our Muslim community, who find these atrocities as abhorrent as the rest of us, are supported and protected from those that would seek to make political capital out of the misery of others.

As news of the terrorist attacks in the USA unfolded last week, support was immediately extended to our visiting clowns from the USA, one of whom had relatives working in the World Trade Centre. The clowns were grateful and touched by the messages of support and comfort offered by the people of Bolton, but were determined that the terrorists would not extinguish hope and, as such, they requested that the International Clowns Festival should go ahead as planned.

After discussions with all those involved, we agreed that the Clowns would take part in the service on Victoria Square, in addition to the Church service being held on Sunday in the Methodist Mission and that the remainder of the event would continue as planned. This was a difficult decision, but was made having given consideration to the impact cancelling the event would have had on the hundreds of children expected to participate and, primarily, the feelings of our friends from the USA.

Clowns bring more than

a bit of colour to Bolton

People packed the streets of the town centre to witness the Clowns' parade sponsored by Crompton Place and, even though the heavens opened by the time the parade reached Great Moor Street, no one was deterred. Chitty Chitty Bang Bang proved to be a major attraction. The car, sponsored by Olympus Fishand Chip Restaurant drew young and old alike, proving that the film is as popular today as it always was. The marquee was packed throughout the event, with children learning how to walk on stilts, walk a tightrope and spin plates to name but a few things.

The entire event was given wholehearted support by Bolton children and we would like to thank all those that entered competitions and congratulate them on the high standard of paintings and poems. As we waved goodbye to the clowns on Sunday we are sure that Bolton will not forget the 2001 International Clowns Festival and that everyone will have a special memory of the event.

House, Home and

Lifestyle Exhibition

The House, Home and Lifestyle Exhibition started yesterday on Victoria Square and continues today and tomorrow. Come down to the marquee for all the tips you will ever need on buying or improving your home and on making changes to your lifestyle. There are free competitions to enter as well.

Karen Wheeldon

Bolton Town Centre Ltd

Market Hall, Knowsley Street,

Bolton BL1 2AR

Telephone 01204 523762

Fax 01204 523659. Email:

Karen@boltontowncentre.co.uk