MR ALEC Martin (Who picks up the bill?, BEN: March 28) very reasonably questions the suggestion that Belfast residents might consider Bolton as a short-stay holiday resort.

One does sometimes wonder at the aspirations of our 'leaders'.

Some years ago it was decided to mark the boundaries of Westhoughton with signs saying 'Welcome to Historic Westhoughton'.

Shortly afterwards we were told by a local historian, sadly no longer with us, that she had been contacted by a person in St. Annes, who, having seen the signs, wished to organise a small sight-seeing party. She wished to know the location of Westhoughton Castle. Unfortunately we have no castle, but we do have free parking for shoppers and public toilets in our Town Centre.

So, eat your heart out Bolton -- when it comes to realistic attractions, there is just no contest.

Bert Partington

Park Road,

Westhoughton

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