Bolton urged 'come together and understand each other'

The last few days have seen disturbances across the country from Southport to Manchester, Hartlepool and Sunderland.

But Bolton has so far remained calm, and Mayor Cllr Andy Morgan has praised the people of the borough for their tolerance and understanding.

Speaking before the protest taking place in Bolton town centre, Cllr Morgan said: “Now more than ever we need to come together and understand each others cultures and communities.

“Bolton is such a special place and we have been exempt, unlike those around us, from discord and community division.

Mayor of Bolton Cllr Andy Morgan (Image: Bolton Council)

“No one should be worried about walking in their streets that make up our communities or go to their places of worship.

“Do not let outsiders come into our borough and cause unrest and leave for us all to pick up the pieces when they depart.

“Yes, we know we have issues that we need to work through, but we will do that as we always do.

“In times of challenge and change, our strength lies in standing together.

“Our shared values and common interests bind us.

Bolton Wanderers FC chairman Sharon Brittan (Image: Newsquest)

“By staying united, we protect our town and borough and promote unity.

“Together, we are stronger, and together, we will prevail.”

The call for the borough to remain united has also been echoed by Bolton Wanderers FC chairman Sharon Brittan.

She said: “Bolton is a town that has been enriched by different communities over many generations and we, as a club, have been appalled by the hatred and gratuitous violence shown across the country.

“This must never be tolerated or accepted.

“Let us show that we are stronger when we stand together as one club, one community, one town.”

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Only yesterday an event in Blackburn had attracted only around eight attendees but had still lead to enhanced police powers.

Bolton West MP Phil Brickell had also been asked for his views on community cohesion.

He said: “My view those who use the tragic events in Southport earlier this week to spew hate, threaten our communities and commit crime are not welcome.

“I expect the full force of the law to be used.

“I’ll continue to work across the constituency to bring people together and be a representative for all communities across Bolton West.”