THE QUESTION was raised recently by Mr Brian Derbyshire, as to whether I am Boltonian born and bred (BEN letters page: August 6); the reason for his question was in answer to my last column when I highlighted some of Bolton town centre has to offer, from its architectural heritage to clean streets and a safe and secure shopping environment.

As I am not originally a "local", I was born in Bury, and lived in the Greater Manchester until I was 18, before travelling around the UK and Europe. I cannot express an opinion as to Bolton's former glory. I can however, as an individual who moved from one end of the country to the other, to take up my post in Bolton, explain why I was moved to do so.

When the post in Bolton was advertised nationally, I spoke with colleagues in the industry who had many positive things to say about the town. I had only visited Bolton briefly many years earlier, and at that time had not taken away any lasting impression of the town.

When I attended the interview, held in the town centre, I was amazed that such a centre existed not too far from where I had grown up, and that I had never visited as a shopper, or for any other purpose than to accompany my husband to a car showroom.

The bottom line is that I was "blown away" by the town centre, and having met with a very kind gentleman who gave me directions in true Boltonian style, friendly and open, I was determined that I would get the post and move my family lock stock and barrel to the town.

As I have said previously to the "outsider", Bolton generally creates an extremely positive impression, and as we all know, all town centres today face tremendous problems due to external competition, and the difficulties faced by new developments being constrained by a street scene that has developed over many decades.

A town centre cannot stand still, if it does it will undoubtedly result in decline; there are many partners working together to ensure that Bolton town centre develops and becomes a place fit for the next century. This cannot happen overnight, and there will be many hiccups along the way, but I can say with my hand on my heart that two and a half years on I am delighted to have moved up to Bolton, and am committed to working with Boltonians and migrants such as myself towards the goal of a vital and thriving town centre.

I would just like to add that all my colleagues in the Town Centre Company are Bolton born and bred, and they have made me very aware of the changing face of Bolton over the last 40 years, and they are equally committed to the work the Company is doing in the town centre.

LOCAL JUSTICE

As I have the opportunity to express my opinion within this column, I would like to add my voice of support to the many others in opposition to the closure of the Magistrates Court. This facility provides local justice for local people, and its closure would be detrimental to the town. I would urge the powers-that-be to reconsider their decision.

Karen Wheeldon

Bolton Town Centre Limited, Market Hall, Knowsley Street, Bolton, BLI 2AR

Tel: 01204 523762

Fax: 01204 523659

E-mail:

Karen@boltontowncentre.co.uk