There is officially a new town mayor in Westhoughton – who is keen to support local causes and meet local groups to see the good work they are doing.

Cllr Neil Maher is Westhoughton’s new Town Mayor after Cllr Deirdre McGeown handed over the chains.

The town councillor is going to be raising vital funds for three good causes including the Westhoughton Assist Foodbank, the Darren Deady Foundation which supports veterans and Senior Solutions, which supports older people.

Cllr Maher, who is a veteran of the Armed Forces, will be joined in his mayoral year by his wife Linda Maher, who is also a town councillor.

He said: “I’m really looking forward to my mayoral year. I’ve lived in Westhoughton for many years of my life, and I have a lot of commitments to our town.

“I’m particularly looking forward to supporting these three very worthwhile local causes. I’m keen to get out and about meeting other local groups to see the good work they are doing.”

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Cllr Maher has had a remarkable career spanning over four decades in the armed forces, private sector, and public service.

He served 22 years in the military, commanding troops in various countries, including during the Falklands conflict in 1982.

In the private sector, Cllr Maher held senior management positions at international companies, making significant contributions to infrastructure and operations.

He transitioned to the NHS in 2003, serving as a director in the North West, modernising estate and operational support services, saving millions of pounds for reinvestment into frontline services while improving quality.

Cllr Maher has also dedicated 21 years as a governor of Westhoughton High School, supporting health and wellbeing services and contributing to improved student results.

Town councillor Gillian Wroe was appointed as Deputy Town Mayor, and she will be supported by Cllr Alison Jackson as her consort.

If any Westhoughton organisations are interested in a visit from the town mayor, they can contact Pauline Rowley, the town clerk of Westhoughton Town Council, at townclerk@westhoughtontc.gov.uk.

If you have a story or something you would like to highlight in the community, please email me at chloe.wilson@newsquest.co.uk or DM me on X @chloewjourno.