Your Local Independent 189

Christmas 2024 Page 21 AD SALES 01204 478812 CHORLEY MP and Com- mons Speaker Sir Lind- say Hoyle has officially launched the rebrand of a thriving Adlington busi- ness following eight years of success. ST Accident Repair Centre marked the relaunch with a ribbon cutting ceremony car- ried out by the MP. The business has rebranded while continuing to sit along- side sister company, DA Techs. It focuses on special- ist vehicle repair and accident management services. In the infancy of the two brands, Sir Lindsay visited the site and has followed their progress over the years. Andrew Wren, the compa- ny’s bodyshop director, pic- tured at the launch with Sir Lindsay, said: “We’re thrilled to begin an exciting new chap- ter for our business. “We’re proud to firmly remain part of the DA Techs group, enabling us to provide a comprehensive repair service. “This rebrand gives ST Accident Repair Centre the opportunity to establish our own distinct identity in the local community, while the DA Techs brand continues to grow as a nationwide franchise.” GREATER Manchester Police’s new District Commander for Bolton is making it her mission to ensure safety on roads across the district. One of her main priorities is to see a fall in the number of collisions and fewer road fatalities and injuries. Chief Superintendent Helen Critchley says she will work with ‘local part- ners’, using data and listen- ing to community concerns to “identify high harm routes and reach tangible solutions”. There will be an increase in police presence on these roads to combat speeding and additional key causes of road traffic collisions. Several proactive road safety operations have already been carried out across Bolton at hot-spot areas with a high number of accidents. Ch Supt Critchley begun her career in Tameside in 2003. Her inspiration to join the police stemmed from spending summers working in a law firm and a desire to protect the victims that she saw involved in criminal cases and prevent them from being in that situation. She was six months into her role, when she came across an armed robbery which motivated her to join the Serious Organised Crime Group with a specific focus on robbery. She has worked in a vari- ety of roles across GMP’s Force Intelligence and the Serious Crime Division and has spent the last four years leading teams across the City of Manchester and Stockport. In her new job she has also set her sights on reduc- ing retail crime throughout the area. She said: “My team are vital to success, and I will be working hard to foster an environment for staff to be able to bring their ideas forward. “Communities are essen- tial to preventing and solving crime, it is my belief that the best polic- ing work is done when the community get involved and we work together. “It is important that the public keep an open dialogue and report any criminal acts to us and let us know what is happening in their area. If you see officers as they are out and about, say hello and remember we’re here to make the community safer for you. And in a message to the public, she added: “There are already plans in place to work closely alongside part- ners to tackle criminal acts that matter the most to you.” Lindsay launches new era for firm Police chief on road safety drive PLANNING permission has been granted to create a traditional wall at Old Station Park in Horwich. The wall will be built at the goods entrance. The Hor- wich Heritage group has been working with local councillors to get the plan approved. Horwich councillor David Grant said: “This will improve the heritage and conservation of the area restoring it back to how it looked when there was a station here. “Horwich Heritage, is to place an information board detailing the history of the site. Further upgrades of the park are planned.” lovely people I’m working with. They are always willing to help you. It’s good to have this experience on my CV for future employers.” Charlie, 18, who joined the school in Year 12, helps serve customers in the charity café. He said: “I enjoy contributing to the charity work here. “I feel like everyone who is supported by the charity deserves a second chance. I enjoy my work experience here, to progress myself. Everyone has a great sense of humour and are very approachable and likeable. It’s great to have this on my CV so employers can see I’m hard- working and enjoy working with lots of different people.” Tony Stephenson, chief executive at Emmaus Bolton, said: “We’re very grateful to Skye and Charlie for their support and we are proud to be able to offer a range of work experience and skills to help students’ personal and professional development for the future. Our thanks to Rumworth School for working in partnership with Emmaus Bolton to help us provide these opportunities.” Rumworth is an 11-19 com- munity special school in Bol- ton. Its curriculum is designed to promote independence and employability among students. Jenny Dunne, head at Rum- worth, said: “I’m incredibly proud of our young people and I am looking forward to seeing them progress.” Park wall plan agreed Volunteering helps boost skills Helping hands: Skye and Charlie volunteering at one of the homelessness charity’s social enterprises District Commander: Ch Supt Helen Critchley STUDENTS from Rum- worth Sixth Form have been learning new skills and gaining work experi- ence in different volunteer roles by giving back at a local homelessness charity. Emmaus Bolton provides accommodation and opportu- nities for up to 22 people with experience of homelessness or social exclusion. Volunteers and people sup- ported by the charity work alongside each other in a wide range of different charity shops and services to help pro- vide affordable goods, clothing and food for people in Bolton. Skye Davies and Charlie Cookson have been helping once a week in the charity’s on-site café and charity shops which overlook the charity’s courtyard of social enterprises off Fletcher Street in Bolton. Skye, 18, who has been a pupil at Rumworth since Year 7, helps by sorting the chil- dren’s books, toys and games and serves in Emmaus Bol- ton’s café once a week. She said: “I just like the fact that I’m helping people: both the people coming into the café and the people at the charity. “I’ve felt welcome by the