IT is a sad sign of the times that during the Millennium celebrations - a time for remembering the past and looking forward to the future - hospital bosses fear outbreaks of violence.

It is even sadder that they are probably right to do so.

Their suggestion that Bolton's pub landlords serve drinks in plastic glasses to reduce the number of injuries is eminently sensible, as is their request for extra police cover to protect staff against unruly revellers.

Their pre-planning cannot be faulted. We hope they are erring on the side of caution and that the new Millennium will be welcomed in without violence.

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