BOLTON is set to play a major part in the Manchester Commonwealth Games 2002.

Talks are in the final stages for the badminton competition to be held at the new £14.8 million tennis centre which is currently under construction at Middlebrook near the Reebok Stadium.

An official announcement is due at the end of the month, but the BEN can reveal today that Bolton WILL be chosen.

A spokesman from the Badminton Association of England said: "It is definitely Bolton. We have had verbal confirmation that the event will be in Bolton."

Bolton is likely to be the only town outside of Manchester to hold an event.

It will be a massive boost to the town's tourism trade bringing athletes, journalists and spectators from all over the Commonwealth to the area. The 3,000 seater arena at Middlebrook is due to be open by July next year.

It has already been earmarked as a site for Davis Cup tennis tournaments, but the Commonwealth Games would put it on the map as an international-quality sports complex.

Mr Pete Bradshaw, Bolton Council's liaison officer, said: "We have been in discussions with the Commonwealth Games office.

"It is looking good, but nothing has been signed up or formalised.

"However, we are very confident that Bolton can play a major part."

A Commonwealth Games spokesman said: "We are investigating all possibilities. Bolton for badminton is being considered and a decision will be made towards the end of April."

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