property developers were impressed when Bolton gave them a traditional welcome.

Three senior representatives of London-based Land Securities Properties Ltd were invited to town as part of a co-ordinated attempt to attract fresh investment to Bolton town centre.

The Bolton Strategic Partnership - an organisation which represents the public and private sectors - is arranging a series of similar visits as part of the town's fightback against the challenge of the massive Trafford Shopping Centre currently taking shape at Dumplington.

Land Securities act as landlords for various properties on Newport Street, Bolton and have significant property interests throughout the UK.

The Bolton visit, which stemmed from contacts made by Bolton and Bury Chamber of Commerce, included a reception in the Mayor's Parlour, a town centre walkabout and a trip to Horwich to see the new stadium for Bolton Wanderers.

Mr Richard Lynch, Bolton's Marketing Partnership Co-ordinator, said today: "I think they were very impressed by our plans, particularly the fact that we have an active town centre partnership.

"They said they were very enthusiastic about what we are doing and said they would like to explore ways of becoming a part of it."

Future visitors include representatives of Grosvenor Estate Holdings.

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