AS we bid a fond farewell to the Bishop of Bolton we are reminded of all the excellent work he and his colleagues from our Interfaith Council representing all different faith groups of our town have done in recent years.

A true collaboration alongside the council, our partner agencies and key stakeholders all working consistently to promote community cohesion understanding the importance of it to the wellbeing of our town.

Leading by example to promote tolerance has been one of the key drivers to maintaining harmony in Bolton.

We are reminded of the time when a march on the town by the EDL threatened this.

I was fortunate, on behalf of Bolton Council, to take other party leaders and a group from the Interfaith Council representing our colleagues and leaders from all the faith groups including the Bishop of Bolton to meet with the Police Minister at Westminster. Our Labour MPs joined us there where we lobbied the Minister together to get him to stop the invasive march.

Although unsuccessful our joint commitment to preserving harmony in our town was recognised by the Minister and he congratulated the group on our unique response, determination and resolve to fight racism together in whatever guise it presented.

In the years that have followed this resolve has remained and it is incumbent on everyone to preserve this commitment to cohesion in Bolton. Anything which counters harmony must be challenged.

So we must call on everyone to continue the legacy of Bishop Chris Edmondson's commitment jointly with his Interfaith Council colleagues to preserve, continue and grow goodwill, tolerance and harmony within our town.

Community Cohesion is very precious and has been hard won. We must not rest on our laurels hence the plea, as we wish the Bishop of Bolton and his wife a long, happy,healthy and well deserved retirement, to continue to lead by his example.

Cllr Linda Thomas

Deputy Leader Bolton MBC