big success A STUDY tour of Bolton by delegates from all over the country has been hailed as a huge triumph.

Council chiefs have received glowing letters of thanks following the Federation of Economic Development Authorities' visit to the town in September

Eighty-eight economic development officers and councillors stayed here between September 20-22.

They visited factories and businesses in the town and went to Bolton Institute, Bolton Bury Training and Enterprise Council, Bolton Business Ventures and saw the Halliwell City Challenge project.

Now the secretary of the Federation of Economic Development Authorities, Barbara Bradbury, has written individual letters of thanks to Bolton Council organisers.

In a letter to Ray Jefferson, director of planning and engineering services, she says: "What a triumph! The whole efficient and professional team was superb."

To the Mayor, Cllr Alan Rushton, she said: "The impression all our members have gone back to their authorities with is that of a strong and vibrant authority, but with a big heart open to the needs of all its people."

To Steve Burns, head of economic development, she wrote: "What can I say? You said you would give us an exceptional regional visit and you delivered.

"I can honestly say the programme was first class and the quality of speakers at the various venues was outstanding."

Other letters were also sent to Cllr Bob Howarth, Bolton Council leader, Cllr Jack Foster, chairman of Bolton's planning and environment committee, and his vice chairman, Cllr Peter Finch.

Cllr Finch said: "We were delighted to receive these letters. They were all individually written and not just standard replies.

"The event was a great success and it is nice to know it was appreciated by the delegates."

A team of Middlesborough planning experts was due to return to Bolton at the weekend after being impressed by the town centre during the previous visit.

They were looking at details of Bolton's successful pedestrianisation schemes.

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