WHEN it was first announced that Bolton's collection of historic textile machinery might be shunted out of town we forcibly stated our opposition to that plan.

While Dr John Gray, head of Bolton's museums, argues persuasively about the unsuitability of various sites locally, we don't think that should be the end of the matter.

Some way must be found to keep this important part of Bolton's heritage in our town. Perhaps room for the machinery could be found at Bolton's museum if other displays were moved. Cash might be found from the Halliwell City Challenge to make a disused mill in the area suitable to house the machinery - funding could be sought from the National Lottery to adapt an existing building into our own textile museum. Every avenue must be explored.

What is certain is that we cannot lose this essential part of Bolton's heritage. Our town was at the heart of the industrial revolution, and the machinery is an important reminder of that.

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