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
Peter Kay announces four intimate charity shows in Greater Manchester – but only for these postcodes
Emily Sergeant
Peter Kay has just announced four intimate shows to raise money for a very worthy cause… but you can only get tickets if you live in these particular postcodes.
Comedy legend Peter Kay is set to return home to the Bolton Albert Halls for four very special hometown shows in this summer, marking his first performances at the venue more than two decades.
Taking to the very stage where he recorded the UK’s biggest-selling stand-up DVD, it’s set to be a proper nostalgic homecoming for one of Britain’s most beloved comedians.
The summer shows – which are taking place from 9 – 11 July 2026, even including a matinee performance – this is a rare chance for local fans to be part of something incredibly special, with all funds raised going to Bolton Hospice.
But, there’s a bit of a catch… you’ll only be able to get tickets if you live in Bolton (and some parts of Bury), as it’s strictly limited to BL postcodes.
Peter Kay Live at the Bolton Albert Halls – 2026 Dates
- Thursday 9 July (Evening)
- Friday 10 July (Evening)
- Saturday 11 July (Matinee)
- Saturday 11 July (Evening)
Tickets officially go on sale Friday 24 April at 10am, and you can get your hands on them here.
Featured Image – Supplied
Bolton
Bolton man, 74, jailed after giving woman ‘unknown substance’ and raping her
Emily Sergeant
A 74-year-old man has been sentenced to prison after the rape of a woman in Bolton last year.
Stephen Biggs, of Furness Square in Bolton, appeared at Bolton Crown Court this week where he was sentenced after pleading guilty to one count of rape of a woman 16 years or over (the victim’s age has not been disclosed), and one count of sexual assault, at an earlier hearing.
Greater Manchester Police (GMP) explained that in late March 2025, a woman befriended Biggs and he invited her alone to his address.
Biggs then proceeded to give the woman an ‘unknown substance’, which led to her feeling drowsy and later falling unconscious in his home.
When she awoke from being unconscious, some of the woman’s clothing had been removed, and she found Biggs on top of her.
The victim was struggling to gain full consciousness and passed out once again, but after waking up for the second time, she found the Biggs still on top of her with his trousers unzipped and she managed to push him off her.
Following his arrest, Biggs was interviewed by police, where he admitted to raping and assaulting the victim whilst she was unconscious, and was subsequently sentenced to nine years in prison.
GMP described the assault as ‘horrific’ and the victim bravely admitted: “It’s destroyed me.”
Speaking following Biggs’ sentencing, Detective Constable Jordan Brown, from GMP’s Bolton CID, said: “This was a horrific assault that happened to the victim all without her consent and without her knowledge at the time.
“She has been immensely brave coming forward to report this and supporting the investigation and I would like to thank her for her continued strength and courage during this difficult time.
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“We remain committed to supporting victims of sexual violence and bringing offenders to account, no matter how long it takes.
“I urge anyone who may have gone through this to please come forward and report. You will always be treated with respect and your reports will always be taken seriously.”
Featured Image – GMP
The Manc -
30th July 2021 
