TWO stories in this newspaper on Saturday highlighted the changing face of the local jobs' market.

The front-page story revealed that in the past two years a total of 800 pub jobs have been created in the town.

And an inside story told how work will finally start next month on transforming Smithills Hall into a tourist attraction.

One employment expert says Bolton's entire economy is switching from manufacturing to leisure.

While we do not agree with that statement entirely, it is true that there is definitely a change of emphasis away from industry to leisure.

The leisure industry already represents a large part of total business in Bolton.

It ties in with the town's image as a tourist attraction.

Certainly improving Smithills Hall is a big step in that direction. It is well worth spending time and money on the Hall which, if the artist's impression in the BEN is anything to go by, should be an attractive place to visit.

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