DURING the next week you will begin to see the ice rink taking shape in Victoria Square, the event will provide added excitement to Christmas festivities in the town centre. We now have five special Christmas party offers at the ice rink, in conjunction with The Moat House Hotel, Bar Juice, Chicago Rock Caf, The Spinning Mule and Hustlers American Pool. You can skate and then enjoy a party/meal or other offers in the above venues for a special price, available only through our booking hot-line 01204 523762. Please call for further details.

Why Town Centre

In the BEN Monday, November 13, Derek Hilton of Astley Bridge wrote a somewhat contradictory letter about the state of Bolton town centre and the work of this company. Derek bemoaned the fact that a number of businesses in the town centre have either closed down, or have announced their intention to relocate, and the increase in the number of discount shops that have appeared, while, at the same time, extolling the virtues of out of town retailing. In answer to Mr Hilton's comments, I would like to highlight the importance placed on town centre management by major town centre investors and the Government. The largest All Party Parliamentary Group is devoted to town centre issues and one of Bolton's MPs, Mr Crausby, is an active member of this group. investment decisions by large companies are influenced by, among other things, the strength of town centre management and its effectiveness in focusing attention on the very unique set of factors that influence the vitality and viability of traditional town centres.

Out of town shopping centres have vast financial resources and operate under one management structure. As such, there is little co-ordination required for their activities and much fewer factors outside of their control that can affect the prosperity of the centre. Our town centres are a much different kettle of fish and, with multiple ownership of properties, a vast range of businesses, residential populations and all the inherent problems of car parking, cleansing, street works etc, it is imperative that a co-ordinated approach is provided to address these issues and attract new investment.

Mr Hilton cited a number of businesses as examples of a dying town centre and held the Town Centre Company responsible for their decisions to cease trading in Bolton. Perhaps I can clarify the situation in respect of these particular businesses. C & A are closing all their stores across the country. This decision bears no reflection on the trading position of Bolton town centre. Virgin Megastore are changing their trading format and their current location is unsuitable for this purpose; they are actively looking for an alternative site and have stated that this decision in no way reflects the trading position of the town centre store. Whiteheads are indeed a sad loss to the town centre, and Richard Whitehead has been unstinting in his support of the Town Centre Company and has unequivocally stated that out-of-centre competition has had a detrimental impact on the store's trading position.

One final point made by Mr Hilton related to Manchester city centre's fight against the Trafford Centre. Manchester was the hardest hit location in the region when the Trafford Centre opened its doors. It has, however, seen massive investment post the IRA bomb with major rebuilding works being carried out throughout the city. Bolton and other sub regional and local centres have not seen this type of investment and must continue to strive hard to attract new business to the town centre. This, together with the co-ordination of day-to-day activities, is a primary function of the Town Centre Company. The Town Centre Company provides a mechanism for investment in Bolton town centre and, by the end of this year, will have levered in £500,000 to improve the marketing, security and maintenance of the town centre in conjunction with private sector members, Bolton Metro and other partnership organisations. This funding has been matched by European money and is invested solely for the benefit of the town centre and its users. The Company is not a profit making organisation and all monies raised are ploughed straight back into the town centre.

There have been many achievements over the last year. However, the progress of the town centre cannot be viewed on a short-term basis and the building bricks must be put in place today for the town centre we would like our children and grandchildren to enjoy.

Karen Wheeldon

Bolton Town Centre Limited,

Market Hall, Knowsley Street,

Bolton BL1 2AR

Tel: 01204 523762

Fax: 01204 523659

Email - Karen@boltontowncentre.co.uk