A CAMPAIGNER has spoken of her disappointment after councillors failed to back a pledge to support sexual assault victims in Bolton.

Gemma Aitchison, founder of YES Matters, a group which campaigns on consent and objectification of women, held a meeting at the Town Hall last Friday to present the pledge to councillors.

But she says that despite inviting all of the town’s councillors and MPs, only two turned up.

Ms Aitchison, aged 31, who lives in Westhoughton, has been campaigning against sexual exploitation of young people since the rape and murder of her sister Sasha Marsden in 2013.

On the back of the #MeToo campaign, sparked in the wake of allegations made against Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein, she says she wanted councillors to show solidarity with the cause.

She added: “This was a way of getting Bolton together to say we will support victims, not only in coming forward, but afterwards.

“Only two councillors attended and both refused to sign it. That highlights the problem.

“I would be lying if I said I was not disappointed that my hometown has not got on board.”

Breightmet Cllr John Byrne was one of the councillors that attended.

He said: “I didn’t disagree with the pledge. It’s all about trying to keep people safe, but signing on behalf of the council is beyond my remit.”

Fellow Labour councillor Ann Cunliffe also attended the meeting, but could not be contacted before going to press.

Bolton Council leader Cliff Morris said: “This is an important campaign which is highlighting a really serious issue.

“There is an existing policy within the council, that said, Gemma is doing a fantastic job advocating this campaign in Bolton.

“Labour councillors did attend, and it’s right that they did to represent our support in principle, but it is usual to feedback to cabinet colleagues before agreeing to a concrete pledging.

“I am very happy to meet with Gemma to discuss her campaign further, reassure her about policies within the council and how we can work together for greater awareness.”

Conservative leader Cllr David Greenhalgh said he did not receive an invite to the meeting, and knew nothing about it taking place.