By Brian Gomm

THE future is looking much brighter for traders whose businesses went up in smoke in Leigh's Boulevard shopping centre inferno.

Relocation opportunities being offered include indoor and outdoor stalls at Leigh Market, units in the Town Hall building in Market Street and numerous commercial premises.

And the first to make a new start are Wyn's Wallpapers and Stitch in Time tailors.

Joe Bolger, who with Wyn Donnelly runs Wyn's Wallpapers, explained how the business hopes to be up and running "hopefully this weekend and definitely next week" at 8 Market Street in Leigh Town Hall complex.

Joe told The Journal: "We lost everything -- not a scrap of stock was salvaged. We have had to buy all new stock.

"The blaze was an absolute disaster but we have a lot of loyal customers and we are looking forward to being back in business.

"The Council has been very co-operative in trying to help us relocate, particularly Cllr Jarvis. He has gone out of his way to help us and everybody else from The Boulevard."

And Stitch in Time employees Cilla Gill and Vera Grimes have opted for a stall in Leigh Indoor Market which they are opening as Just Sew.

They are pictured with Wyn's Wallpaper proprietors, Cllr Jarvis, Cllr Anne Turnock and town centre co-ordinator Laurie Barton at the decorating supplier's new Market Street home.

Cllr Jarvis, chairman of Leigh Town Centre Management Group, told The Journal :

"It is essential to get the traders fixed-up and open as soon as possible to retain their business and customer loyalty.

"Some of them have expressed an interest in market stalls and I have been assured they will receive preferential treatment if they put in a tender.

"And town centre co-ordinator Laurie Barton has drawn-up a long list of all available commercial property which might be suitable."