AS I step down from the position of elected councillor at the elections this week, could I express my gratitude and sincere thanks to the electorate of Tonge-with-the-Haulgh for their support, guidance and constructive criticism over the many years that I have sought to represent their interests in the Bolton Council Chamber.

We have not always agreed, but we certainly have always been able to debate the issues of concern in a positive and mutually respectful manner, in the true spirit of partnership.

Two issues come to mind that demonstrate the value of this partnership between councillor and electorate, despite their being differences in the manner that each sought to approach the problem.

In 1963 the Jethro Street Scrap Yard was an environmental time bomb and now, through 40 years of patient partnership work, we have transformed that area into new housing and the open park called “Our Backfield”.

Ten years ago 180 prostitutes were on the streets of The Haulgh, many the victims of abuse, forced to work this debasing trade by pimps and drug barons. Two of the girls were murdered. Now there is no on-street prostitution and Bolton is held as a national example of how sensitive partnership working can succeed over “brute force”.

I have been privileged to be able to play a small part in helping my community to become more selfconfident, to achieve greater selfesteem and to accept greater responsibility for the wellbeing of their locality and, in this respect, I can retire with a feeling that the area I love so well is a better place for our work together.

In conclusion can I thank those community groups who attended my retirement party. I requested only donations for Bolton Hospice and their generosity enables me to donate £1,140 to this worthy charity.

Frank White Town Hall