COUNCIL leader Bob Howarth is upbeat in the face of concerns about the future of Bolton town centre.

He points out that 18 property developers were interested in the planned £100 million Victoria Gardens project in the Central Street area of town.

"I find that very encouraging," he said.

The shopping complex, which would have Victoria Hall in Knowsley Street at its centre, would include a major department store and a 300-seater theatre in the hall's basement.

An all-party group, which will include representatives of the Bolton Methodist Mission, is due to meet in the next month or two to consider the merits of those companies which have been shortlisted from the original 18.

Cllr Howarth hopes for a start next year on the project, which will take a year or two to bring to fruition.

In reply to criticism that the council was not doing enough, he said there had been a £1 million refurbishment of the town hall square and that work was continuing on improving the Newport Street pedestrian area.

"We have done a lot," he said. Cllr Howarth regretted the planned closure of the famous Whitehead's store and acknowledged that Bolton had been hit by the Trafford Centre.

His view is that the town centre will not be static in future as retailers come and go. He said: "I am very optimistic, but recognise that the town centre will be much more volatile from now on."

Cllr Howarth, the council representative on the Bolton Town Centre Company's board, is keen to see more local retailers involved. "There is a lot going on," he said.