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October 2025 Page 3 AD SALES 01204 478812 NEWS IN BRIEF CHORLEY New Road Primary Academy School’s ‘Mini Police’ group took part in a passing out ceremony at the Toughsheet Community Stadium. The Chief Superintendent of Bolton Police attended, along with the Mayor of Bolton and the Deputy Mayor of Greater Manchester. Chorley New Road was the first school in Horwich to support the GMP initiative. Astley Hall in Chorley has been shortlisted in the prestigious 2026 Visit Lancashire awards. It is a finalist in the ‘Small Visitor Attraction’ category. There will now be a judging process, including mystery shopping, unannounced visits and interviews with an independent panel. The awards ceremony will take place in February next year. TIME is running out for people to have their say on the proposed new site for Farnworth library. Bolton Council’s consultation closes on Friday September 26. MICHAEL Crispin of Horwich and Blackrod First Independents won the Blackrod South by-election to become a Blackrod Town Councillor, with 57 per cent of the vote. Bury Head Office 2 Manchester Road, Bury Lancashire, BL9 0DT. T: 0161 764 5266 Open 9AM-5PM Little Lever Office 58 Market Street, Little Lever Bolton, BL3 1HN. T: 01204 709959 Open 9AM-5PM www.clough-willis.co.uk @BurySolicitor info@clough-willis.co.uk We believe that experience counts when it comes to matters of family and personal law. Our team of specialist solicitors provide free, 20 minute consultations on the following: • Employment Law • Wills, Probate, Trusts & Tax Planning • Personal Injury • Family Matters • Property Law • Litigation/Dispute Resolution Call us now on 0800 083 0815 to book your free appointment! Loyal, resilient and trustworthy Advertiser’s announcement FACING the breakdown of a mar- riage or long-term relationship is one of the most stressful life experiences with a whole range of emotional turmoil – fromanger and distress to thoughts of loss and the worry of an uncertain future. It is therefore crucial that you obtain expert legal advice at an early stage. Each family, marriage or relation- ship is unique and it is never a case of one size fits all. Obtaining advice face to face from a qualified professional is very important. At Clough andWillis, we pride our- selves on providing support, empa- thy and guidance at each and every step. We understand that trust is at the core of everything we do and so it is vital for you to feel comfortable with us. We are confident that at the end of the process you should feel you have maintained your dignity and self-re- spect and can move on with your life. The following are some examples of the questions that are put to us on a regular basis. My wife and I have agreed to separate. We have been led to believe that it is possible to apply for a divorce based upon the fact that we have simply grown apart. Is this correct? No. The sole ground for divorce is Chiara Ozuzu, solicitor in the Family Law Department at Clough & Willis answers your questions on divorce and separation WHENRELATIONSHIPS BREAKDOWN be made legally binding by the Court by way of a Consent Order. My wife and I have decided there is no future in our marriage. We have two young children whose upbringing I have been actively involved in given that I am quite fortunate to have very flexible working arrangements. I believe it would be good for the children for this to continue but I do not think my wife will agree because this may affect the amount she receives by way of a financial settlement and maintenance. Is there any point pursuing shared care? Yes, there certainly is. The paramount consideration is the welfare of your children. The arrangements for your children must be resolved before the financial settlement. It would be much better for your family as a whole if you and your wife were able to reach an agree- ment rather than the Court having to impose a decision upon you. You could try and resolve matters at Family Mediation. We would be able to refer you to an appropriate service. If you are unable to agree then you couldmake an application to the Court for a Child Arrangements Order. Shared care arrangements are becoming more commonplace given that a lot of fathers like you have more flexible working arrangements and many women now work full time and require more help with childcare. The arrangements do not have to actu- ally be an exact division of time on a 50\50 basis. l For further information on any of the above or any other family matter contact Chiara Ozuzu or Lee Marston for a free, no obligation interview on 0161 764 5266 the irretrievable breakdown of your marriage. If you want to apply for a divorce immediately then this must be supported by one of two facts, either adultery or unreasonable behaviour. We will be able to advise you whether the “behaviour” complained of is sufficient. The majority of peo- ple are often surprised that it is not necessary to go into too much detail or to exaggerate. Alternatively, if you and your wife agree, one of you could apply for a divorce after you have lived sepa- rately for over two years provided the other is prepared to provide their written agreement. My husband and I would like to try and reach an amicable settlement regarding our financial position. However, at present I do not feel confident that I know enough about my husband’s circumstances to reach an informed decision. Are you able to suggest a way forward? Yes. It will be necessary for your husband to provide what is referred to as full and frank disclosure of his income, capital and pension provision and to provide documents in support. Once you are satisfied this has been done you will know what resources are available and negotiations can then begin which will hopefully result in an amicable agreement. This can THE Early Years team at Whitefield Children’s Centre has been revital- ising its garden to create a new play area designed to give young children the best possible start in life. The spruced-up space will provide a safe environment where children can learn, play and enjoy exercise in the fresh air. Whitefield Children’s Cen- tre is a key provider of Early Years support to Bury chil- dren, and a vital resource for local families. The centre in Ribble Drive offers sessions designed to nurture early development – ranging from baby sensory play and sto- rytelling to speech and lan- guage support and school readiness activities. However, until now the centre has only been able to offer indoor facilities, as the outdoor space has been too overgrown for children to play on. Recognising how impor- tant safe outdoor play areas are for children’s develop- ment, Early Years teamman- ager Samantha McClaren and her colleague Sharon Walton were determined to do something about it. Sharon contacted the Sun- nywood Project and they helped her reach out to local construction consultancy Turner and Townsend. A group from the busi- ness joined Samantha and Early Years team members and together they rolled up their sleeves to clear the grassy area, remove unsafe equipment, and cut back the weeds. They even discovering a hidden path which had been buried in the undergrowth. Another local business, Dig- gers in Radcliffe, pitched in to provide the power tools and in no time the area was transformed. Thanks to this collective effort, the area was cleared in a single day, and now has a safe, revitalised outdoor space where children will be able to run, play, ride bikes, and enjoy physical and activities linked to the centre’s sessions. Samantha said: “We are delighted to be able to bring this area back into use. We now have a safe, accessi- ble space. Volunteer work is child’s play Mucking in: The team that created the new play area (Photo credit: Bury Council) “We could not have achieved this so quickly without the support of the volunteers and local businesses, who worked hard throughout the day to get this done. We are grate- ful to them, and excited to now be able to offer outdoor play activities to children and families.” Tony Parry from Turner and Townsend added: “It’s amazing to see the differ- ence a few hours’ work can make. We’re proud to sup- port the Early Years team in Whitefield and help create a space where children can enjoy themselves.” There are plans to add new outdoor equipment and extend activities, reaching even more families in the local area. The Early Years Team welcomes families who would like to get involved and bene- fit from the range of support, play sessions and resources the centre offers.