Ashton has to butchers shops, who uses them in preference to supermarkets? Aston has a carpet shop who uses it in preference to one of the multiples? Ashton has a green grocers, the same applies. Perhaps people can add more, but not many.
It is no use moaning about the decline of our town centres when we don't use them and cash registers say we don't.
Also when national government said No should be the answer to out of town shopping centres Wigan council allowed Robin Park and the Sainsbury devlopment.
Seven day opening is not really suitable for the small shop keeper yet another example of how central government help to destroy the small shop.
I am sorry there is little apart from what Glen suggest about traffic that can help and we all know the attitude of, "the movers and shakers" on any viable solution. (yes!! Alan is being Alan, I was a voice in the wilderness)
As I have said before we have to "grasp the nettle" of the traffic problem before Ashton is just pubs, pound shops and take aways.

Town: Br/Ash

Ashton and other town centres are like they are because of the way people voted, not at the ballot box but with ignition key and wallet.

There were loads of small shop keepers warning what would happen thirty and forty years ago, but the same type of people who now moan its passing brought it about.

You can let the Genie out of the bottle but it is well nigh impossible to put it back.

Town: Br/Ash