TOWN centre bosses say Bolton is well equipped to fight back against the impact of the Trafford Centre as the huge complex celebrates its first birthday today.

Bolton's town centre manager, Karen Wheeldon, has promised a range of new developments this autumn to revitalise the fortunes of the town.

She said: "There is no doubt that the Trafford Centre has had an impact on trade in Bolton during the past year.

"But we are confident that the change in status of the Town Centre Partnership into a company next month will give fresh impetus to the continuing development and marketing of Bolton as a shopping centre." As reported in the BEN, the new Town Centre Company Limited will be launched on October 11.

Mrs Wheeldon added: "Once the company is launched we will be investing in a number of areas. We aim to bring about environmental improvements, improved security, and target our marketing to our potential customers more effectively.

"We also aim to provide a number of additional services to enhance the great qualities the town centre already has to offer."

Details of the plans are being kept under wraps until next month's launch.

Research conducted by the Trafford Centre reveals that although people visit from as far away as Scotland, the south coast of England and even overseas, the vast majority - 69 per cent - of visitors travel from within Greater Manchester.

However, Trafford Centre bosses claim the effect on the centre on towns like Bolton has been small.

Managing director Mike Butterworth said: "We've been saying for years that we would attract small amounts of business from many places and that towns in the region had no good reason for concern."

During its first year 26 million people have visited the Trafford Centre and bosses claim that the complex has become established as a tourist destination as well as a shopping centre.

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