WHAT is going to happen to our town centre shops if more retail stores are to be allowed at the Middlebrook complex?

Is the recent application for a factory outlet shop simply a disguise for a retail sales breakthrough?

Looking round now in Bolton town centre, I am struck by the number of empty shops.

What seems to be happening is that there is a growth in amusement arcades and temporary shops selling cheap goods. Many of the latter come and go on short term leases with no long term future.

I fear that the town centre shopping area will be depleted, restricting choice and forcing shoppers (whether they like it or not) into out-of-town centres.

If, as I understand, the decision on the opening of the factory outlet shops has been given to Mr Prescott, then he can be blamed if the decision does not suit.

However, I have to remind myself that there was a previous decision that had to be taken and this was that the whole idea of the Middlebrook development rode on the back of the Reebok Stadium.

So, is the retail business of the Bolton town centre slowly being transferred to Middlebrook -- and who will be the losers?

Reg Williams

Clayton Street

Bolton