Your Local Independent 213

November 2026 Page 3 AD SALES 01204 478812 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 Lee Marston, Head of 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 Lee Marston for a free, no obli- gation 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 projects are in addi- tion to new health and safety measures, including improved street lighting, a wider CCTV network and defibrillators that have already been installed. Martin Donaghy, Bolton Council’s deputy leader, said: “Bolton deserves a town centre we can all be proud of, and the return of our iconic elephants to Newport Street is another milestone in achieving our efforts to transform the heart of the borough. “As one of the first things visitors and residents will see when arriving from the interchange, the elephants help create a vibrant town centre, that celebrates Bol- ton’s unique heritage.” Bolton has a long and historic association with the elephant emblem with examples ranging from town hall carvings to statues. Theories behind the bor- ough’s historic connection with elephants link it to trade with India, as well as the adoption of the Elephant and Castle from the Arms of Coventry to symbolise strength and dignity. Formally incorporated into Bolton’s coat of Arms in 1890, records show the ele- phant symbol was already in local use by 1799, making it one of Bolton’s most distinc- tive symbols. WORK has started to deliverwalking and cycling improvements in Bolton town centre after the bor- ough council securedmore than £5million to fund the programme. Council chiefs say the major upgrades aim to make every- day journeys simpler and more enjoyable and add to the ongoing regeneration of the town centre. Phase one of the scheme will focus on Bradshawgate and Great Moor Street. Roads will be resurfaced and foot- paths repaved to make them more attractive and benefit people travelling on foot. There will be changes at side roads to give pedestri- ans priority, along with an upgraded pedestrian crossing on Bradshawgate near Nel- son Square. Four junctions will be upgraded to make it easier and safer for people on foot and riding bikes to travel around the town centre. Segregated cycle paths will create safer routes for people of all ages and are especially valuable for younger or less confident riders, who may not feel comfortable mixing with traffic. Funding was first granted in 2023 from the Greater Manchester Mayor’s Cycling and Walking Challenge Fund and the council carried out extensive consultation that helped shape the plans. However, work was delayed by the need to prepare for the demolition and regeneration of Crompton Place. With that now underway, the project to improve travel has been able to get underway. NadeemAyub, the Council’s executive member for high- ways, transport and planning, said: “As we progress our ambitious plans to transform the town centre, it is vital that we include better ways for peo- ple to move around. “Careful planning for vehi- cles, pedestrians and people on bikes, along with improved links to the bus and train sta- tions, will make it easier and safer for people to get around. It will help make a town cen- tre we can all enjoy and be proud of.” New home: The iconic elephants in Newport Street (Photo credit: Bolton Council) Trunk call for town’s elephants BOLTON’S iconic ele- phants have packed up their trunks and offi- cially returned to their original home. The trio have been rein- stalled on Newport Street in a homecoming that fol- lows their move to Octagon Court in 2015, where they remained for 10 years. Ellie, Elner and Mis- ter Jackbow, who were named by local children following a public com- petition, will now greet people as they exit the Bolton Interchange. The fully restored and repainted models are part of a series of schemes to make the town centre more welcoming and vibrant for residents, commuters, and visitors. It is one of a number of schemes being funded by the government’s Pride in Place Impact Fund. These include new murals created by local artists to celebrate Bolton’s history and the borough’s many local musi- cians, performers, and sport- ing heroes. Upgraded outdoor power units will be installed to Victoria Square to sup- port major outdoor events, helping to strengthen Bolton’s range of out- door celebrations. Making it easier to travel around Improvements: A CGI of the segregated bike paths (Photo credit: Bolton Council)