Could the sudden change of heart by the Agora developers regarding the future of the Market Hall have anything to do with the proposed redevelopment of the Victoria Hall and surrounding areas?

The proposed shopping mall must be considered a threat as it is obvious that both shopping centres will be plying for trade. The bigger site will surely attract the larger stores. Considering the Victoria Hall redevelopment plans had already been discussed why on earth were Agora given the go-ahead?

The Market Hall has been popular with both traders and shoppers for 150 years so let's hope either the previous stall holders return or the empty stalls are re-let as soon as possible.

The 80,000 petitioners told Bolton Council what they wanted and were ignored.

Rosalind Horrocks

Shelbourne Ave

Smithills