Games boost

The games, which will cost in the region of £56 million, are confidently expected to start the good times rolling.

The sports extravaganza should generate some 4,000 jobs, as well as sparking off multi-million pounds investments, which will benefit the wider community for years to come.

TV rights will not only focus a global audience on Greater Manchester, but also bring in considerable revenue.

For Bolton itself, the decision could not be more welcome.

It will mean a tremendous boost for the town's tourism aspirations, attracting droves of overseas visitors.

After successfully staging the world triathlon championships at Rivington two years ago, Bolton can expect to play a significant role in the games.

Events likely to be held here include road cycling, the marathon and triathlon, while the Wanderers' new super-stadium at Horwich could host soccer, rugby sevens and netball matches.

Nor should the staging of the Commonwealth Games in Manchester be seen as a sop in the wake of unsuccessful bids for the 1996 and 2000 Olympics.

Local people will be able to watch some of the world's finest athletes in action, while thousands of visitors will get an illuminating insight into what historian AJP Taylor called Britain's alternative capital. Safety first AS thousands of local people prepare to celebrate November 5 in traditional fashion, we echo the warnings of doctors, fire and police chiefs.

The catastrophic effects of serious burns injuries on people's lives are all the more appalling when they are the result of stupidity and ignorance.

We hope all our readers enjoy themselves on Bonfire Night, but also urge people to attend properly organised events, follow safety instructions to the letter, and keep an especially careful eye on young children and pets.

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