BOLTON’S political leaders have given their thoughts on 2008 — and what lies ahead for the new year.

Cllr Cliff Morris, leader of Bolton Council and the town’s Labour group said: “For many people these are tough times, but 2008 has been a good year for Bolton and 2009 can be even better.

“Bolton is a great town, but our best days are still ahead of us. The council continues to lead the town’s development, working with the Government and our many local partners.

“Last year saw the delivery of key pledges such as expanding free school meals and the free swimming initiative, investing new resources in community services.

“The council has also led the way to secure the agreement on the design and build of a new swimming pool, expansion of the university facilities and a much-needed diagnostic centre for the town centre.

“The new Market Place has opened and information we have shows that Bolton is riding the economic downturn well.

“We have also secured an investment of £330 million to redesign and rebuild schools to ensure our children get the best education possible.

“Bolton can be proud of its progress toward greater equality and confident of its future, but we will only achieve our aims through hard, persistent effort and by continuing to reach out to all who want to see a better Bolton — not the old politics, but new policies equal to the demands of a new time.

“There are hard times ahead, but I’m sure we will be able to overcome whatever is thrown at us through the strength of our collective endeavour.”

Cllr John Walsh, leader of the Conservative group said: “Times are hard so what do I wish for 2009?

“We have proposed ways to address the economic crisis locally.

“The council should call an economic summit. Local businesses should have priority for supplying the council and be paid faster, giving them every possible help to survive and protect jobs.

“For the unemployed, the mobile library should be used to take employment and training advice around the borough, building on the success of the Workshop in Newport Street.

“Following the rejection of the congestion charge we have asked for urgent action to ensure Bolton’s bus station is built from previously identified funding.

“Bolton’s MPs should support our call for fairer transport funding for Bolton.

“Residents already pay too much tax. In the economic crisis high council tax and further increases are not acceptable. This will be tough after Labour used one-off funds in 2008 to set a false council tax, but times are hard, so the council must face the challenge.

“With no local elections in 2009, Conservatives will build on 2008, when we won more votes and seats than Labour.

“Only Labour’s previous in-built majority, and support by one elected as a Liberal Democrat, still makes Labour the largest party.

“Above all, we want Bolton to succeed and will always put the town first, and I want continued Premiership football for Bolton Wanderers.

“And a happy, peaceful and healthy New Year to everyone.”

Cllr David Wilkinson, Deputy Leader, Bolton Liberal Democrat Council Group, said: “I would like to wish The Bolton News readers a happy and prosperous new year.

“The prosperous part will be difficult for many in Bolton in 2009 and for others — not a happy time with the loss of jobs and the worrying cost of food, fuel and heating.

“Thanks should be given to those who worked over Christmas to provide the services we use and to look after those in need.

“Special thanks should go to the country’s armed forces who are abroad on active duty and away from their loves ones.

“It is certain that 2009 will be a difficult year, but Bolton needs to continue to press ahead with new business developments to provide jobs for the future.

“The need for good, quality public transport has never been greater and the Government needs to honour its election pledges of 1997 to tackle this problem, rather than forcing more taxes on people to pay for their mistakes while they have been in office.

“Politics in 2009 will be busy with a possible general election and a massive list of issues stemming from the effects of the recession on jobs, housing, health and taxes.

“The challenge will be to argue for a greener, fairer and more equal society.”