A TOWN centre trader has complained that Bolton is in danger of becoming a customer free zone.

Peter Green, who runs The Sandwich Inn on Churchgate said he believes poor trading and parking conditions mean the centre is now teetering on the brink of decay.

He said: "Many of our customers complain about the worsening of the shopping experience in Bolton. The gripe is not wholly to do with parking charges but the pressure the short stay regime imposes on them. What should be a stroll around town ending with a coffee, turns into a trolley dash round a few outlets and a gallop to the car to load up before the penalty deadline. No such pressure exists at the out-of-town venues.

"These developments have the advantage of a green field site, new wide roads, well laid out facilities, free car parking and the potential to expand and create an even bigger threat to a town centre, whose approach roads are closed or narrowed, one-way streets, and whose parking regime's enthusiastic enforcement is an inspiration to us all."

He added that as The Sandwich Inn caters mainly for the town's office workers his core business is less affected than most outlets. But he believes trading conditions have forced the closure of many town centre shops.

He added: "We need a real effort to revitalise the heart of Bolton and encourage businesses to set up here."

During the last few years the town centre has faced competition from the Middlebrook complex near Horwich and the Valley Centertainment complex in Astley Bridge.

Key stores including C&A and Whiteheads have been lost from the town centre during the last few months.

Town Centre Manager, Karen Wheeldon said: "The Town Centre Company has worked hard over the last 18 months to restrict out-of-town developments and secure Bolton's trading position, as well as currently working with the local authority to secure a development for a new town centre site and looking into car parking options."

She added: "A vast number of residential units have also gone into the town centre over the last number of years.

"The old school at Great Moor Street has been made into apartments, which are being sold and there are many others around the town centre. This in turn boosts the business in the town centre. All the elements are in progress but it takes some time to fit all the pieces together." RESTRICTIONS: Town Centre Company Manager Karen Wheeldon Threat