I READ with interest the comments of the new Bishop of Bolton, Canon David Gillett, (BEN, March 16) backing both the town's bid to become a Millennium City and Bolton Institute's drive for University status.

Bolton MBC have also announced their plans to upgrade the town's amenities. There is talk of an extended leisure district, a "corridor" of evening entertainment and the creation of a cafe society. Sounds great, but what a pity this wonderful town is likely to be without its cultural jewel, the Octagon.

Bolton needs its Theatre to complete its image of being "Altogether Better". Its high national reputation is, or should be, a matter of civic pride. It provides performance experience for young people and community groups and also has a comprehensive education programme. It also employs a workforce of, at times, up to 70 people.

I have just returned from an enjoyable, rib-tickling Ayckbourn production ingeniously directed by Lawrence Till and impressively performed by a highly professional cast, including "local boy" Peter Collins.

Last week at "I Licked a Slag's Deodorant", I was touched and saddened by humour of a different kind. What wonderful diverse theatrical opportunities the Octagon makes available to the people of Bolton. Can we afford to lose it?

Robin Pemberton Billing tells us the rescue plan will not work and asks many pertinent questions. Let's help the Octagon to help itself by allowing it to continue its in-house productions and by us, the people of Bolton, supporting it in any way we can. "Made in Bolton" means something, it means quality at the Octagon.

Margaret Tonks

Devonshire Road, Bolton

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.