THE town hall steps have been fenced off for the "safety of the public" while planned work takes place in the building.

Access to the steps which lead to the front elevation of Bolton Town Hall has been temporary cut off as a "precautionary measure".

The council confirmed that this is part of planned work to fix the town hall.

A spokesman said: “We are carrying out some planned remedial work to the town hall – the steps have been fenced off as a precautionary measure for the safety of the public.”

The entrance facing Victoria Square is not usually open to the public, but council workers, shoppers and other town centre dwellers are often found sitting on the steps when weather permits.

The town hall's front doors are sometimes used by the Mayor, councillors and other civic dignitaries during ceremonial events.

A stage is constructed on the town hall steps facing the war memorial for Remembrance Sunday from which the Vicar of Bolton addresses members of the armed forces, community organisations and the general public.

In 2019, hundreds turned out to take part in the ceremony, lay wreaths at the war memorial and pay tribute to the fallen.