ONE of the things that always surprises visitors to towns like Bolton is the wealth of lovely countryside that's literally on our doorstep. Within minutes of leaving the town centre, it's possible to enjoy the fresh air and unspoiled attractions of places like Rivington, Edgworth and country parks like the Jumbles and Moses Gate.

So the news that "Green Belt" land around Bolton is to be protected in a Government planning blueprint, gives us "breathing space" until the year 2011. Let us hope that the countryside breaks which give towns like Bolton and Bury (and villages such as Ainsworth with its springtime wealth of daffodils) their much valued identity and residents the chance to walk away some of those worldly cares, will be preserved for generations to come.

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