CHANGES to Bury Council's top team have now been completed.

Eight councillors have been elected to make up the council's decision making executive group.

And politicians to hold the posts of spokesmen for the various specialised areas of the local authority have been selected.

Bury Council Leader, Councillor John Byrne, said: "Most of the councillors chosen bring with them a wealth of experience and are no strangers to holding positions of responsibility. For those who are stepping up I have every confidence that they will also more than fulfill the duties expected of them."

Executive members already elected are as follows: Cllr John Byrne -- Leader; Cllr Wayne Campbell -- Deputy Leader and Resource; Cllr Ray Watts -- Executive Member for Economic and Social Regeneration; Cllr Mike Connolly -- Executive Member for Social Services, Health and Housing; Cllr Stella Smith -- Executive Member for Environment and Transport; Cllr Gill Campbell -- Executive Member for Communications and Community Development; Cllr Steve Perkins -- Executive Member for Lifelong Learning, Culture, Recreation and Sport; Cllr Steve Treadgold -- Executive Member for Best Value and Competitiveness.

In addition the following have now been appointed as Lead Spokespersons: Cllr John Byrne -- Safer Communities; Cllr Wayne Campbell -- Finance; Cllr Trevor Holt -- Human Resource; Cllr Siobhan Costello -- Arts and Culture; Cllr John Costello -- Early Years; Cllr Steve Perkins -- School Standards; Cllr Paul Nesbit -- Sports and Recreation; Cllr Joan Grimshaw -- Post 16 and Community Educatio; Cllr John Smith -- Housing; Cllr Barry Briggs -- Social Services; Cllr Pam Walker -- Public Protection; Cllr Derek Boden -- LA21; Cllr Winston Ramsey -- Highways and Transport Management; Cllr Gordon Sharkey -- Disability; Cllr Farook Chaudhry -- Elders; Cllr Sylvia Mason -- Youth.