THE Bolton News editor Ian Savage met with readers at The Market Place.

Residents from across Bolton came to have a chat about their experiences of the newspaper and put forward suggestions or stories they have in mind at yesterday’s meet and greet.

Norman Bamford, aged 74, said: “I would be lost without The Bolton News. I have been reading it for as long as I can remember.”

Between 11am and 2pm more than 200 newspapers were given away to visitors while Mr Savage sat and chatted to readers on the newspaper’s branded couch.

Callum Gavin, aged 21, from Smithills, said: “I read the paper at home because we have it delivered. It’s informative enough for me and I like the entertainment section because it tells me what’s going on in the town.”

Albert Cooke, from Little Hulton, said: “I like the sports section and Looking Back mainly, and the crossword.

“There are other sections I don’t really get on with as much, but you can’t like everything can you?”

The Market Place’s new manager Nikki Wilson-Cooke also popped down to explain why the local paper is important to her.

Mrs Wilson-Cooke said: “I have lived in many places, and for me, The Bolton News gives a fair account of what’s going on in the town.

“Plus it has always been very supportive of The Market Place — especially with all the new developments we have coming up here.

“The contractors start next week on the cinema, which is a 44-week programme, and next Wednesday we get the schedule for the Vaults — so watch this space.”

Joan and Terry Anderson, from Ladybridge, said that last year’s price rise has affected how often they buy the paper — and Michael Walton, aged 36, from Halliwell, added he now reads it online.

Mr Savage said: “It has been really good to come out and speak to the local people about what matters to them most.

“I have had some really good suggestions and ideas, which I will take back to the office.

“Last year’s price increase is clearly an issue for some, but without that we wouldn’t have been able to introduce so many more sections such as Looking Back and Your Sport — both of which, I have found out today, are really popular with readers.”