GREATER Manchester Chamber has joined other organisations in paying its respects following the death of Bolton Council Leader, Cllr David Greenhalgh, last week.

Cllr Greenhalgh died at the age of 53 on Thursday, leaving the people of Bolton shocked and saddened.

The flag at Bolton Town Hall was lowered to half mast as a sign of respect as his death was announced.

Belinda Beaver from Agitare and the Chamber’s Bolton President said: “I am shocked and saddened to learn of the passing of Council Leader David Greenhalgh.

"Bolton has lost an inspirational leader who made sure that every decision was for the benefit of the town – he will be truly missed.”

Clive Memmott OBE, CEO at the Chamber, added: “The untimely loss of David Greenhalgh has shocked and saddened everyone that knew him and had come into contact with him as the leader of Bolton Council. Our thoughts are with his family and friends.

"Local politics in Greater Manchester has lost a genuine leader, someone who really cared and was respected by people right across the political spectrum.”