A newly-elected Conservative Bolton councillor says he will push for improved roads as well as investing in youth services.

Cllr Ayyub Patel won the Rumworth seat in a by-election last week in which he achieved a majority of more than 500 votes.

He polled 1,610 votes, 508 more than Labour’s Ismail Patel tally of 1,102.

Following the win, Cllr Patel has promised change is coming to Rumworth as he looks to address issues the community has long campaigned for.

He said: “Becoming a local councillor will help by enabling me to raise the key issues identified by residents of Rumworth at the highest local level within Bolton Council and other key agencies.

“This includes increasing investment and resources into the area and looking at long-term plans to meet the changing requirements of the current and future residents of Rumworth ward.”

Cllr Patel wants to address problems with roads and pavements in the area.

He also wants to tackle fly-tipping, call for a stronger police presence and bring more investment to community groups.

Cllr Patel said: There are no real community services for the elderly, young people, and women who reside in Rumworth.

“I am interested in protecting our parks, green space, and recreation areas in Rumworth, as intervention has already stopped the garden sale in Nixon Triangle.”

Due to the period of national mourning the councillor has not celebrated his victory out of respected but has expressed his happiness.

He added: “I am delighted with the win, I have shown that the residents of Rumworth have a voice and they have used it to send a strong message to overturn the safest labour seat in Bolton to Conservatives.

“I wish to thank all of the Rumworth residents who put their trust and support in me. 

“My thanks go to my agent Yusuf Davda, my incredible volunteers who made up my campaign team, and my family and friends.

“Most importantly this win is for my father, who had always encouraged me and wanted me to become a local councillor.”