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Page 26 April 2026 AD SALES 01204 478812 BOLTON’S new Youth MPs have been elected after young people across the borough cast their votes. Simi Adebanjo from Canon Slade Sixth Form and Jasmine Kwok from Loreto College received the most votes in the poll. Youth MPs are elected every two years to act on behalf of young people in their constituency. A staggering 22,875 votes were cast in Bolton this year, Simi received 3,454 and Jasmine was elected with 3,605. The election process started in October 2025, with 10 young people making it through the selection process to stand as candidates. Youth MPs are elected to act on behalf of young people in their constituency and each year, they work on local, regional and national campaigns whilst also getting the chance to debate live in the House of Commons. To influence change, Youth MPs meet with local decision makers, MPs, local councillors, directors of services and representatives of charities and organ- isations that support young people in the borough. They also work in partnership with the rest of the Bolton Youth Voice collaborative to help make positive changes for young people in Bolton and the North West. Jasmine said: “Being elected as Bolton’s Youth MP comes as a genuine surprise, and I am so grate- ful for all the trust young people have placed in me. “I want to say a huge thank you to everyone who has participated in the voting process and I’m really looking forward to getting started and working alongside Simi to represent young people in Bolton.” Simi added: “The role of Bolton’s Youth MP is not something that I take lightly. I have been so inspired by the team working alongside the 10 candidates and to get the privilege to continue to do so bring me so much joy! “Over these next two years I hope to bring tan- gible change and action to lives of Bolton’s young people; to get to do that alongside Jasmine makes it all the better.” BOLTON’S landmark bridge is looking good as new after its thorough spring clean. The arch structure on New- port Street has supported road traffic over the railway line near the train station since it was first installed in 2005. It serves as a key “gateway”, an entry point where passen- gers, pedestrians, cyclists and motorists get their first impression of the town centre. The clean was part of a wider series of projects designed to improve Bolton town centre and create public spaces and facilities everyone can be proud of. Other work includes an improved lighting of the bridge itself as well as other landmarks like Le Mans Crescent and the town hall. And new signage has been added to help visitors find their way around, including a proposed digital screen outside Bolton Interchange alongside planned murals celebrating local heritage. The council says the pro- jects complement the ongo- ing regeneration of the town centre which as seen several major developments already completed, including Moor Lane, Deansgate Gardens and The Wellsprings. The demolition of Cromp- ton Place is due to start in the summer to pave the way for Bolton’s flagship redevel- opment, while work is also underway to deliver more than 400 homes and a hotel at Church Wharf. In a statement the coun- cil said: “Removing dirt and grime from the Newport Street bridge was a complex process that required close coordination with Network Rail to ensure work can be carried out safely.” Workers operated overnight to minimise disruption. Bol- ton Council leader Nick Peel- said: “First impressions count and anyone arriving in Bol- ton will now be greeted by a pristine archway bridge that looks as spectacular as it did 21 years ago.” A voice for young people Newly elected: Jasmine and Simi (Photo credit: Bolton Council) Bridge is now spick and span Spring clean: The bridge on Newport Street (Photo credit: Bolton Council)