'Tis the season of goodwill and of looking ahead.

Today, Bolton's leaders come together to offer their thoughts on the year that was and the year that is about to be...

Sir David Crausby MP, Bolton North East:

“2018 has certainly been an unpredictable year in politics. Brexit has dominated discussions as I’m sure it will in the year to come. The Government finally decided on a Brexit deal only to create a plan that has created division across the country.

"Locally, the railways have been a serious issue. People are still feeling the effects of a disastrous timetable change in May on top of long standing issues with overcrowding, engineering works and industrial disputes. I have been working to hold Northern and the Government to account for their failures and end the North-South divide in transport that holds back our region’s economy.

"We will meet the New Year with many challenges and I know that life is difficult for many local residents. Austerity continues to hold down wages and threaten job losses for many in our public services and we need to do much more to address the growing pressures on our schools, police officers and the NHS.

"It was an honour to represent Bolton as we marked the anniversary of the end of the First World War in November. A vital reminder to us all of the horrors than can occur when diplomacy fails. I hope we can all remember that lesson in 2019 and start to heal the divides and bring people together as we shape the future of our country and our society.”

Yasmin Qureshi MP, Bolton South East:

"This year has been difficult at times. A recent UN report described the social breakdown caused by callous and unnecessary austerity policies, policies which we all know continue to be implemented despite the Chancellor’s claims to the contrary. But I have also witnessed many of the things which make me proudest about our country. What brings me hope, is that around Bolton, I have seen people tirelessly working to bring others together and in doing so, reflect the values that define our town — compassion, humour and generosity towards neighbours.

"Inspired by these efforts, I have been working hard to ensure that the needs of the town are discussed in Parliament, fighting for progress on homelessness, mental health policy, the NHS and the shambolic train services. As Shadow Justice Minister, I have been opposing the Government's austerity-driven court closures program, and impact of cuts to legal aid which is creating havoc for the most vulnerable in our society. Personally, one of my most satisfying and humbling achievements was seeing the leap forward in a campaign I have long been leading, for victims of the drug Primodos. An independent review was finally announced and I am hopeful that the new year will finally give answers to the victims who have been waiting for decades.

"For many others, this year has been dominated by talk of Brexit. I am confident Theresa May’s cynical botch-job will not pass through Parliament and hope that we can achieve a deal which genuinely helps workers and protects citizens’ rights. The issues which we face are not simple, but I believe that together, we can address them. On that hopeful note, I wish you all a Merry Christmas and a very Happy New Year."

Chris Green MP, Bolton West:

"Christmas is often a great time to reflect upon the year gone by and the year ahead. Between catching up with family, friends and a little over indulgence, I’ll be remembering what a turbulent year 2018 has been in politics and whether 2019 will calm down or be more extreme. 2016 had the Brexit Referendum, 2017 had a snap election and I would not be surprised if 2019 had both.

"We have witnessed record lows of unemployment, record investment in our NHS to celebrate its 70th anniversary this year and we even saw the best performance of our England Football team in a generation during one of our hottest summers on record.

"This year however also brought a much more sombre anniversary, the centenary of the end of the First World Ward. It was an honour to join so many others in laying a wreath during this year’s incredibly important Remembrance Day service in Westhoughton.

"Despite my concerns for the year ahead, I am very much looking forward to the New Year ahead and as ever, it will be a privilege to continue to represent the voice of my constituents in Bolton West. Have a merry Christmas and happy New Year."

Cllr Linda Thomas, Bolton Council leader

"Are you feeling the winter freeze? Imagine sleeping out in it tonight. Last year hundreds of people across the country died whilst homeless in 21st Century Britain. Too many rough sleepers will face sub-zero temperatures on the streets this winter.

"That’s why we’ve got an emergency plan to get rough sleepers off the street to somewhere warm and safe. The law is that shelter doesn’t need to be provided before three nights of zero temperatures. But in our towns in Bolton, we’ve committed to providing emergency shelter with our partners sooner.

"Rough sleeping is a very visible issue. As a council, our dedicated team does a lot of good work with our partners delivering prevention with people who have really complex lifestyles.

"Our nurses with their on-street support have dramatically reduced A&E attendances of rough sleepers.

"The poorest areas of our towns have been hardest hit from the politically-motivated Tory government’s cuts since 2010. Rolling back the Welfare State offer with 14,000 Bolton residents now in receipt of Universal Credit rising demand for food banks and homelessness are the devastating results.

"No one should have to spend Christmas on the streets. If you see someone sleeping rough, there is information on streetsupport.net and bolton.gov.uk"