THE President of the Royal Town Planning Institute, Professor Cliff Hague, has made a fact finding tour of Bolton in which he praised the work done by the council to transform Tonge Valley and the town centre.

After being shown the award-winning Market Place and the Tonge Valley, Professor Hague said he was impressed with the revitalisation of the town centre and the regeneration of some of the town's derelict areas.

"Planners at Bolton Metro and the City Challenge Company, in close collaboration with private sector partners, have acted together in a highly professional manner to bring about the renewal of Tonge Valley," he said.

"This is an excellent example of positive planning and shows how the profession can transform not only run down areas, but also people's lives."

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