NEWCOMER John Slater has come back to his roots as the new co-ordinator for Bury West area board.

The Bury-born father-of-two is glad of the chance to use his expertise, gained in both the public and private sectors, to improve his home town.

He said: "I see this role as a real challenge and I am keen to get involved in a wide range of issues which affect the community of Bury West.

"My aim is to work with local people to improve the area, develop a stronger community spirit, create a better future for all generations and assist in making the community safer and healthier."

Mr Slater was a management trainee with multi-national company Harrison and Crosfield PLC, then a regional marketing officer for John Laing Construction.

He was also marketing manager at City College Manchester, working on five campus sites and running 12 colleges in prisons throughout the country.

Before his new job, he spent four years as head of research, development and marketing with Oldham Council's housing department.

John can be contacted at the Elton Centre on 253 6845 and at Bury Town Hall on Tuesdays on 253 6373.

He can also be reached on email at j.slater@bury.gov.uk or fax on 253 5972.