YOUR recent article about the proposals for further development at Watersmeeting indicated that this development was not seen as a threat to Bolton town centre. While the Town Centre Partnership welcomes investment into the Bolton Borough, we would certainly not support these proposals.
The Partnership has, in the past, fought hard to prevent the opening of factory-style outlets around Bolton as these would be in direct competition with the town centre. Bolton is already suffering the effects of out-of-town retailing and leisure, not only from other centres, but also from within its own borough. Any development seen in isolation cannot be regarded as a major threat. However, when regarded as part of the whole, it would be a further drain on our town centre.
There is a wealth of development opportunities within the town centre; by actively encouraging investment in this area, we can ensure that Bolton meets the demands of the 21st century, however, if we merely sit back and become complacent about additional out-of-town developments, our town centre will be unable to sustain its vitality and viability.
Karen Wheeldon
Town Centre Manager
Bolton Town Centre Partnership
Editor's note: Our news article did not indicate a lack of competitive threat in the town centre. However, our leader column welcomed investment in the borough and the prospect of retaining part of the £10m of consumer cash which already is spent in similar outlets outside Bolton.
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