As we enter a new year, I want to take this opportunity to thank all of the people of Bolton for their continued resilience in tough times, as the council looks forward to an exciting year ahead. In particular, I want to thank those who give up their valuable time to be involved in a whole range of voluntary and community activities. It is little surprise that Bolton has been recognised as the happiest place to live in GM!

2023 brought many challenges, none so worrying and upsetting as the latest conflict in Palestine and Israel, as well as the continuing war in the Ukraine. Our thoughts and prayers remain with all of those affected by these terrible events.

There has certainly been plenty to celebrate in 2023. Our cost-of-living partnership was recognised at the prestigious MJ awards, our children’s services team retained its “Good” rating following on Ofsted inspection, our Food and Drink Festival broke new records and a Royal visit showcased the very best of Bolton to a global audience.

2023 also saw the change in leadership at the council, with the Labour group retaking the reins after four years in opposition. We have, as promised, continued to put the economic regeneration of all of our local towns at the heart of our policy. In Bolton town centre, in particular, we have clearly turned a corner, after years of decline and false starts. So, I want to reassure everyone that our plans are firmly progressing for our housing led regeneration, with three major schemes currently underway, at Moor Lane, Central Street and Bark Street, some of which will be completed this year.

2024 will see the completion of the new innovation hub for business start-ups in the Wellsprings office building.  We will be putting the finishing touches on the Bolton Market Food Hall, and see the completion of Elizabeth Park next door. Nearby, the newly renovated Bolton Central Library is also set to re-open. These represent major investments in our very strong cultural strategy, and of course we look forward to seeing the return of Iron Man, Iron Kids and the much-loved Food and Drink Festival.

Finally, I would like to wish all of the Bolton family all the best for 2024, as we move forward into challenging but more optimistic times.