BOLTON'S scheme to redevelop the showcase Victoria Square has been praised by Trevor Roberts, president of the Royal Town Planning Institute.

Mr Roberts, who worked on the original scheme to pedestrianise the square more than 25 years ago, was given a guided tour of the ongoing work outside the Town Hall on a recent visit.

He was invited to come and see the transformation by Bolton's deputy environment director Richard Cowley, who is also chairman of the institute's North-west branch.

And they were accompanied by council leader Bob Howarth and principal engineer John Currie.

Cllr Howarth said that close links the council has with retailers and town centre businesses have helped while the work has been going on.

"People have been very co-operative and understanding about the work which, unavoidably, has caused some inconvenience but we have worked together to tackle hitches before they become problems," he said.

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