WITH the news that several major stores are either pulling out of Bolton town centre or, quite simply, closing down (Virgin Megastore, Whiteheads and C&A) it would seem that the Town Centre Company is having exactly the adverse effect on the centre to which it was intended.
The only good news on the horizon appears to be the proposed new shopping development incorporating the Victoria Hall. Perhaps this could start the ball rolling for further investment in the centre which, at the present, seems to be dying on its feet.
The Town Centre Company vehemently oppose any fair competition and are not only driving business away from the town centre, but from the Bolton area in general. They regard the Middlebrook complex as a threat, and successfully thwarted the 'Designer Village' intended for The Valley. I would bet there is not a reader of this page who knows someone who has not visited either Cheshire Oaks or Freeport Designer Villages. If this is what the public want, this is what the public should have. And to say that these out of town shopping centres are a threat to town and city centres is utter nonsense.
The city of Manchester fought tooth and nail to prevent the construction of the Trafford Centre, but did not lie down and die at its failure to do so. It is now one of the most sought after city centre locations in the country, with further big names clamouring for locations. People will shop where they choose, not where they are told. Perhaps, more importantly, the Town Centre Company could work more in harmony with the council to sort out such problems as the parking debacle, the litter (we have some responsibility here) and the increase in the fly-by-night 99p shops which seem to be springing up all over the place.
To extol one's own virtue is hardly credible, but this seems one topic with which the company excel. I personally believe that there is very little wrong with the layout of the town centre and, above all, it is aesthetically pleasing. It should be allowed to evolve naturally without the added protection it does not need, and the competition it does.
Derek Hilton
Oldhams Terrace,
Astley Bridge, Bolton.
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