Bolton
Bolton Council leader David Greenhalgh dies
Greater Manchester has paid tribute to the councillor - who passed away after being admitted to hospital aged 53.
Greater Manchester has paid tribute after one of its council leaders was revealed this week to have passed away.
David Greenhalgh – a councillor in Bromley Cross for many years – was chosen in 2019 to run the first Bolton Conservative Council for four decades.
Greenhalgh, 53, led the administration through the pandemic, and mere weeks ago he was fielding questions from the press and public regarding local measures in Bolton.
But reports state that he had been unwell and was admitted to hospital for treatment, before sadly passing away.
Tributes have been flooding in from across the region since the news came to light.
Sean Fielding, former Oldham Council leader, called Greenhalgh a “committed member of the GM team and a great lead on the culture brief”, whilst Bury South MP Christian Wakeford described the Bolton councillor as “one of the kindest and wittiest and most dedicated” people.
Manchester City Council Leader Sir Richard Leese said that Greenhalgh “worked passionately for the people of Bolton”.
Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham explained that he was still “reeling” from the news, and that “David was a well-liked, highly respected & effective member of the Greater Manchester family.”
Friday’s meeting of the Greater Manchester Combined Authority has been postponed as a mark of respect for David, his family and friends.
The flag at Bolton Town Hall was also lowered to half mast.
Bolton Council also issued a statement, which reads: “David was greatly respected and had many friends both in the town hall and the wider Bolton community.
“As an individual he will be greatly missed by many, and it will take some time to come to terms with our sudden loss.
“Our thoughts at this time are with those closest to him.
“We will be in touch with more information in the coming days.”
Bolton
Teen arrested after hiding in wheelie bin following attempted burglary in Bolton
Emily Sergeant
A teenage boy has been arrested after police found him hiding in a wheelie bin during the early hours of the morning.
Greater Manchester Police (GMP) explained that, at around 3:50am this past Saturday morning (24 October), officers from the Bolton Neighbourhood Team were called to reports of a ‘disturbance’ on Ullswater Drive, in the Farnworth area of Bolton.
Upon arrival, police discovered that a group of people had attempted to break into a garden shed and steal items.
Following a police chase on foot and searches of surrounding gardens, officers found a 17-year-old boy hiding inside a wheelie bin, and he was subsequently arrested on suspicion of burglary.
A 16-year-old girl was also arrested on suspicion of attempted burglary, and they have both been bailed while the investigation continues.
Enquiries remain ongoing to identify and locate others who police believe to have been involved in the incident.
Sergeant Emily Fogg, from GMP’s Bolton Neighbourhood Team, said the boy ‘clearly did a rubbish job’ of hiding from police.
“Our policing teams are committed to rooting our criminality in our communities and will continue to seek justice for victims of this invasive crime,” Sergeant Fogg concluded.
Read more:
Anyone with information the can assist the investigation is asked to contact police on 101, quoting the log number 475 of 24/10/26.
Featured Image – Rawpixel
Bolton
Bolton personal trainer charged with sexual offences relating to multiple women
Emily Sergeant
A personal trainer from Bolton has been charged with sexual offences relating to multiple women.
Following an extensive investigation into alleged crimes in the Bolton area, Greater Manchester Police (GMP) has confirmed that Payam Postchi, of Greenway Close in Bury, has been charged with one count of sexual assault by penetration, and two counts of sexual assault by touching.
The charges relate to three women, according to GMP.
Detective Chief Inspector Mike Sharples, from GMP’s Bolton district, explained: “Following an initial investigation by officers, we have secured three charges in relation to alleged sex offences committed at a business in the Bolton area.
“We understand that the nature of this kind of investigation may cause anxiety, but I want to stress that all appropriate work is being completed, with the women involved being supported throughout the process.”
Postchi, who is a British national of Iranian origin, appeared at Manchester and Salford Magistrates court yesterday (30 September 2026).
Detectives are now urging the public to ‘avoid speculation’ during active criminal proceedings, but are still appealing for any relevant information.
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DCI Sharples concluded: “If anyone thinks they have any information or otherwise has concerns in relation to the case, I would urge them to come forward.
“Additionally, I would remind people that criminal proceedings are now active and to avoid speculation which could impact the ongoing work.”
Featured Image – Danielle Cerullo (via Unpslash)
The Manc -
30th July 2021 
