THESE are unusual times.

Britain is on the brink of joining the US in a war against an unseen enemy, and the country's top policeman is warning that the next Islamic attack is likely to be on home ground.

In Bolton, mounted police will be more visible on the streets this weekend as they patrol over the town's mosques in the wake of a possible anti-Muslim backlash.

And there is still a general feeling of unreality and apprehension as to what happens next, following the terrorist attacks in America.

While we cannot now individually change what happens between the nations of the world, we can all keep a sense of proportion and justice. What happens in a town like Bolton is simply a microcosm of the bigger picture.

This newspaper has already stated that there is no place here for racist bigotry, and nothing changes that.

Our Muslim neighbours are not likely to be followers of the fanatic Osama bin Laden. They are still simply our neighbours and, as we show in our feature tonight, as badly affected by current events as everyone else.

Now, we cannot give in to the threats of terrorist action. We must continue to go about our lives this weekend as usual, shopping, getting out and about, being with our loved ones.

If we do not, if we change our lifestyles, if we alter our view of others in our community in any way, then the terrorists win.

And that is something that must be avoided at all costs. Positive moves THE solid shape of Bolton's new multi-million pound police headquarters revealed tonight shows the reality of the town's centre of security for the future.

The large building is likely to be finished in 2003, and it not only puts the local force firmly into hi-tech 21st century policing, but also adds another major part to the regeneration of Burnden.

This area has suffered for far too long from corporate neglect. Now, with the opening of the Big W complex, road improvements and the prospect of further building, Burnden will finally create a worthy gateway into the centre of the town, and offer local residents a much-improved outlook.