SUNDAY shopping will become a permanent fixture for Bolton town centre shoppers later this year. Town centre managers revealed today that all the major stores and shopping centres will be open seven days a week all year round. The permanent seven days a week shopping plan will start from September 7, spearheading Bolton's campaign to beat off the threat of competition from the huge Trafford Centre complex.

Momentum has been building for all year Sunday trading since many shops reported very successful business on Sundays during the Christmas rush.

Town Centre Manager Maria Appleton said: "Everyone is delighted that we are going ahead with this. "Bolton is a big enough town with enough facilities and attractions to make this work.

"And this is the next part of our fight to prove we can compete effectively with the challenge of the Trafford Centre."

Major stores opening every Sunday include Marks and Spencer, Boots, Woolworths, WH Smith, C & A, Bhs, Debenhams, and Whitakers.

The Market Place, Crompton Place and Market Hall complexes will all be open.

Sunday trading hours will be 10.30am - 4.30pm, with special arrangements on certain occasions such as Remembrance Sunday.

For the first few weeks free car parking is planned and after that a small fee - expected to be £1 all day - will be charged.

In addition to the shops, entertainment will be provided every Sunday in Victoria Square.

Mrs Appleton added: "There should be a family atmosphere. The Water Place, cinema and other leisure facilities will be open and we are hopeful many restaurants and pubs will also open."

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