THE Millennium in Bolton could be marked with blood and guts and gunfire!

But it will not be for real . . . a spectacular battle from the past could be part of the celebrations for the future.

Leisure chiefs are in discussions to hold a re-enactment of an English Civil War battle at historic Smithills Hall.

The Sealed Knot Society, which promotes interest in the Civil War, approached Bolton Council to stage an event this summer.

But leisure chiefs were unhappy that it would cost the local authority £10,000.

They feared that if they failed to sell enough tickets, the council could be left with a huge loss.

So they have turned down the plan for this year . . . but they are considering it for some time in 2000. Cllr Gerry Riley, leisure services chairman, said: "We thought that Smithills would be an ideal place to hold something like this.

"But we were not happy with some of the organisational arrangements and clearly more discussions are needed."

A report presented to councillors said that the event could attract several thousand visitors.

It expressed concern that it could cause major traffic problems in the area and could also cause noise nuisance for nearby residents.

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