WHAT is it with Bolton town centre and paving stones? When they're not cracked and causing problems under-foot for law-abiding local citizens, they're proving too much of a temptation to the less law-abiding who insist on stealing them.

Historic slate coloured paving stones have been ripped up in the Chorley Street and St George's Road area in four raids during the last few weeks. They sell for about £30 a square metre normally.

We would appeal to the public not to buy these paving stones from any but legitimate dealers. That way, the rogues have no market, and our town centre retains its history and its walkways.