A COMMUNITY complex for Westhoughton is the dream of the town's new Mayor, Cllr Brian Clare.

Cllr Clare took up the office on Monday for the second time, saying his wish in 1987 remained the same today.

He said: "I asked then for the council to make it a priority that a large communal complex be started as soon as possible so that facilities would be available to all levels of the community.

"I am asking again for exactly the same thing. This time I hope my wishes reach fruition."

Cllr Clare and his wife Annie took up the chains of office from retiring Mayor, Cllr Mrs Linda Thomas, and her husband, Len, who has served as deputy.

Cllr David Wilkinson, council leader, proposed Cllr Clare for Mayor and also thanked CllrThomas and her husband for the excellent way they had performed their duties.

During her year in office Cllr Thomas has raised cash for the town's 11 primary schools.

The new Mayor has nominated two charities. Half of any money raised will go to Derian House Childrens' Hospital - he is a member of the Bolton Support Group - and the other half will help in the fight against Alzheimer's's Disease.

Cllr Clare also wants Westhoughton to form a twinning relationship with another town of similar size which can be reached within a couple of hours.

"I want us to look for a town where we can take our old people, our children, our teams, and our churches and where ordinary people can have a real good time."

Cllr Mrs Kath Dawson is the new deputy Mayor.

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