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Page 2 October 2026 AD SALES 01204 478812 No part of this publicationmay be used or reproduced without the express permission of the publisher. Every effort is made to ensure that the articles and advertisements that are carried are authentic, however the publisher accepts no responsibility for claims made. © Investors in Publishing Ltd 2026. This newspaper is publishedmonthly by Investors in Publishing, Publishing House, 3 Bridgebank Industrial Estate,Taylor Street, Horwich, Bolton BL6 7PD. 01204 478812 EDITOR Ged Henderson ged@hendersonnewsandmedia.com ADVERTISING Jayne Meadowcroft 01204 478812 or 07703 045189 jayne@independentnewspapers.co.uk CLASSIFIEDS Teresa Bond 01204 478812 teresa@independentnewspapers.co.uk CONTACT US TRIBUTES have poured in for David Chadwick – a stalwart of public life across the borough of Bol- ton for three decades. The long serving councillor and former borough mayor died earlier this month at the age of 82. Leaders across the politi- cal divide paid tribute to his long-service and dedication to the community and were joined by Bolton Wanderers football club and NHS chiefs in honouring his memory. David, who was the borough’s first citizen in 2025/26, took over the role of deputy mayor earlier this year. The Labour politician was also a former mayor of Westhoughton. He served as a West- houghton town councillor and a ward councillor for Westhoughton South. He held numerous council posi- tions over the years, includ- ing Bolton’s cabinet member for transport and chair of the licensing committee. He was a school governor and had countless other roles. Bolton Council leader Akhtar Zaman led the trib- utes. He said: “A Bolton lad through-and-through, David dedicated his life to serving the community he was so proud to call home. “One of his proudest moments was his inaugura- tion as mayor, a role he per- formed with typical dedication, warmth and good humour. “Our thoughts are with his wife Valerie, his children Matthew and Victoria, and his grandchildren.” Nick Peel, former council leader, described his friend as “A true champion for his Westhoughton constituents.” He added: “Despite suffer- ing from a life-threatening illness, he recovered well enough to carry out his duties as mayor of Bolton with amaz- ing energy and dedication. He was an incredibly strong man! “Thank you, David, for all that you have done for West- houghton and Bolton. Your service will not be forgotten. Rest in peace my friend.” Bolton West MP Phil Brick- ell said: “His complete dedica- tion to his residents and his tenacious campaigning to pro- tect Westhoughton’s heritage were constants of his work – as a long-standing coun- cillor, former council cabinet member, as a school governor, charity trustee and volunteer. “David always sought to work across party lines to get the very best for West- houghton people. He was passionate about volunteer- ing his time and expertise to support the many local groups and charities which enrich the town. “David’s dedication was rightly recognised during his recent tenure as Bolton’s mayor, a fitting tribute to his unwavering support for our borough.” A spokesperson for the Bolton Conservatives said: “He was always dedicated to improving the towns he called home.” Westhoughton Lib Dems described his death as “terribly sad news”. A spokesperson said: “David was greatly respected and liked by many people across Westhoughton and Bolton. He was involved in many organ- isations across the town who will miss him.” Bolton Wanderers chair- man Sharon Brittan said: “He was a Wanderer from childhood and a season ticket holder for most of his life. He chose Bolton Wanderers in the Community as one of his mayoral charities and raised thousands of pounds for its work across the borough. That choice told you everything about where his heart was. “I always enjoyed the time I spent in his company, and his kindness is what I will remember most.” One of the last acts of his year in office as mayor was to hand over thousands of pounds he raised for the hospital that saved his life. David chose Our Bolton NHS Charity as one of his mayoral charities after receiv- ing life-saving treatment in Royal Bolton Hospital’s Crit- ical Care Unit in 2024. The donation of £6,000 helped to create a special garden for patients on unit to enjoy the outside air in a peaceful and beautiful space during their recovery. He said at the time: “I was admitted to the Critical Care Unit in November 2024 and remained there until Febru- ary the following year, which I can safely say was not in my diary.” David grew up in Morris Green, where his parents ran a confectioner’s shop and where he played his football in the backstreets. He attended St Bede’s CofE School and Bolton County Grammar School. Before he was first elected onto Bolton Council in 1998, David worked in the textile industry, and later joined Royal Bolton Hospital as a health and safety officer and computer services manager. IN BRIEF A BOLTON schoolgirl who went missing was reunited with her mother after “eight days of torture” for the family. GMP launched the search for Lillia, 13, after she was last seen by her family on September 11. She was found safe and well in Manchester city centre. WESTHOUGHTON Town Council is looking for volunteer stewards to help with the Remembrance Day Parade on Sunday November 8. Contact the town clerk at townclerk@ westhoughtontc.gov.uk or call 07921 862 603 to sign up. HOLY Trinity Church in Horwich opened its bell tower to visitors as part of the national Heritage Open Day scheme. Historic registers were also available to view along with an exhibition by the Horwich Heritage group. AFTER more than 10,000 athletes took part across the Ironman weekend this year, Night Run Bolton UK returns on Friday, June 4, 2027, kicking off three days of world-class sport. Tickets have gone on sale this month. WESTHOUGHTON Rotary Club has a new home for its regular meetings. The group marked its move to The Hub community venue with a special celebration event. A ROGUE retailer in Bolton has been closed for three months following court order. Tia’s Wines, on Blackburn Road, was served with a Closure Order at Manchester Magistrates’ Court on September 4 in relation to the sale of nitrous oxide, illicit tobacco and illegal vapes. A true champion Family man: David during his year as borough mayor (Photo credit: Bolton Council)