A CONFERENCE on the future of retailing in Bolton has attracted a "magnificent" response from traders and business people.

More than 160 people are expected to attend the Centre Forward conference organised by Bolton Council and Bolton Town Centre Partnership later this month.

It is being staged in partnership with the private sector and aims to bring together those with a stake in the future of Bolton town centre.

Council leader Bob Howarth, who described the response as "magnificent' said: "I'm especially pleased at the response because it covers so many people and organisations with an interest in the future prosperity of Bolton."

Cllr Howarth added that with competition from the Trafford Centre in Dumplington in the future, it is important for Bolton to sustain its position in the shopping market.

He said: "We are now looking a long way ahead but plans and strategies must be laid down now and must involve everyone concerned with the future of Bolton."

The people attending the conference on October 16 in the Albert Halls will help in the early development of a combined private/public sector strategy for the centre.

Town Centre manager Maria Appleton has urged anyone with a business in the town centre to reply to the invitation to the conference and ensure that their voice is heard.

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