WHAT a week it has been!

If you've been in the town centre during the last week, you cannot have failed to have noticed the huge white structure that has appeared in Victoria Square.

Well, we did it, and it is now open to the public. For £3 a session, you can come into the town centre and experience the thrill of a real ice rink, and you won't get wet into the bargain.

We understand that this is the first time in the UK an ice rink has been enclosed in this way, in fact, later next week, work will start on constructing a similar ice rink in London -- it's always nice to find out that the North, and Bolton in particular, is leading the way!

From now until January 4, there will be events and party nights in the rink. All you need to do is come down to the rink and the next available session will be highlighted on a sign near the entrance.

You can even pop into the ticket office and pre-pay for the next available session so that you are sure the queues won't beat you. We're looking forward to welcoming schools, guide troops and youth groups to the rink, in addition to all you hard working folk out there letting your hair down for your Christmas bash.

If you haven't booked your Christmas party yet, don't despair. We have special offers available at The Moat House Hotel, Bar Juice, Chicago Rock Caf, The Spinning Mule and Hustlers American Pool Bar. Just call our office for more information.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank all the members of the Town Centre Company for their support, together with our numerous sponsors. To support the cost of the rink, many businesses have purchased sponsorship boards around the rink and a number have provided us with the essentials to kit the rink out. All of our sponsors are credited within the ice rink. Once again, many thanks!

A word to the wise. It has not been possible to provide toilets within the rink. This fact is clearly signposted, together with information of two businesses that have agreed to provide their facilities to visitors to the rink. During shopping hours, you can pay a visit at BHS or McDonald's. In the evening, McDonald's will continue to be available until the ice rink closes.

Group bookings can still be taken during the working day. Evening sessions will be kept open for the public with the exception of Christmas Party Bookings. So get yourself down to Victoria Square and enjoy a real skating experience! PUBLIC INQUIRY

THE Public Inspector into the factory outlet scheme at Middlebrook has now completed and submitted his report to the Secretary of State. A decision is expected by mid-February. We'll keep you informed.

Karen Wheeldon

Bolton Town Centre Ltd

Market Hall

Knowsley Street

Bolton

BL1 2AR

Tel: 01204 523762

Fax: 01204 523659

Email: Karen@boltontowncentre.co.uk