MYSTERY surrounds the resignation of a top Bolton business executive.

General manager of Business Link Bolton and Bury Mr John Weir has stepped down from his job.

The business link group was set up in March this year as a division of Bolton Bury Training and Enterprise Council.

But today, no-one would shed light on why Mr Weir has gone. And Mr Weir himself refused to comment when he was contacted at his Burnley home by the BEN.

Chief executive of Bolton Bury TEC Richard Bindless said: "John Weir has resigned his position with Bolton Bury Training and Enterprise Council following the conclusion of his probationary period."

But Mr Bindless refused to offer any further explanation.

Dumfries born Mr Weir, aged 44, had been employed by the TEC since March 11 and has a wife and son.

He was a civil servant in the Manpower Services Commission for 17 years, including 10 years based at Provincial House in Nelson Square, Bolton.

His £35,000 a year job at Business Link put him in charge of 20 staff at the Bolton Business Centre in Lower Bridgeman Street.

Mr Weir has also been employed as chief executive of the Bury Partnership Enterprise Agency.

When he was appointed in March Mr Weir said: "It is a wonderful opportunity and a challenge."

Mr Bindless has stressed that the TEC is urgently seeking a replacement for Mr Weir and the business link will continue to operate normally in the meantime.

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