Dawn of new era

Friends, family, councillors and invited guests packed into Bury Town Hall to see Councillor John Costello installed as the borough's First Citizen.

In a glittering ceremony on Wednesday, he took the chains of office from fellow Labour councillor Connie Fitzgerald, who becomes deputy mayor.

"It is a great privilege to accept this honour at such an exciting time: the end of one millennium, the beginning of another," he said.

Coun Costello, of Westgate Avenue, Holcombe Brook, has represented the Elton ward in Bury for nine years. His wife Anne will be his mayoress, and he also thanked his daughter Siobhan, a councillor for Radcliffe South, for her help. He will carry on working as a teacher while fulfilling his civic duties.

Coun Costello's nomination as mayor was proposed by deputy Tory leader, Councillor Dorothy Gunther,

"We are now standing on the edge of a new century and a whole new system of government," she said. "He will fulfil the role of ambassador of the borough with dignity and with the full support of his family."

This was seconded by Labour councillor Mike Connolly who described him as "a man of high principles, of great wit and charm with a ready quip for each occasion, yet you impugn his integrity at your peril." Coun Connolly added: "He has contributed enormously to public life. He is a well respected teacher, trade union official, politician and member of the Catholic community. He takes his responsibilities seriously and carries them out in a caring manner. Who better to lead our fine borough into the new Millennium than John Costello?"

After donning his robes, the new mayor entered the council chamber. His first task was to praise the outgoing mayor and her husband, saying: "They have been outstanding in all that they have done and the new mayoress and I will strive to attain the fine example that they have established."

An "economic migrant" from Galway in Ireland, Coun Costello said the warm welcome he had received was typical of Bury folk.

"It is a great honour to accept this on behalf of all the people of Bury with whom I have built up an empathy over many years of living here.

He added: "The beginning of a new millennium is an exciting time, a time of expectation, a time for new beginnings, a time for consolidation," saying that the time was right to invigorate local government which "must be able to respond to the needs, expectations and aspirations" and be given freedom to be in charge of its own affairs.

He said Bury was a council committed to change and to partnerships with local people to providing value, high quality services.

Among the many projects coming to fruition, he mentioned the East Bury project and its Health Action Zone, the refurbishment of Bury Market and the unveiling of the newly excavated Castle Square in Bury.

Land reclamation and environmental works would see the opening of the Outwood Community Parkland and the start of the Millennium Wood project.

The mayor said the council would carry on its good work in the field of education, particularly in lifelong learning: Bury art gallery will open an education gallery in support of this. Libraries would develop their role as open learning centres and provide greater access to new technology, and the museum service would expand to branches across the borough.

The social services department had new plans to provide better services for older people, children and adults with disabilities, along with a new mental health initiative.

Coun Costello also praised the new democratic structures coming up in the borough: the council will have a new cabinet-style of government, and local area boards will be set up to give residents a closer say. As his chaplain, the mayor has appointed Father Paul Cannon, Roman Catholic Dean of Bury and parish priest of Guardian Angels Church in Bury.

He paid tribute to the tremendous work done by the borough's many voluntary and charitable organisations, whether they be Scout leaders or carers.

For his mayoral charities, he has chosen to support two causes in particular: Hurdles, a parents' support group for children with disabilities, and the special care baby unit at Fairfield Hospital.

"I am most aware of the responsibility that the council has bestowed upon me and I look forward to the year ahead with much enthusiasm and anticipation," he said.

"I shall endeavour to fulfil all the requirements of the mayoral office and shall put in my effort at all times." The outgoing mayor was proposed as deputy mayor by Labour colleague Councillor John Smith who praised the friendliness, warmth and dignity she had brought to the office. "She has truly been the people's mayor," he said.

This was seconded by Tory group leader Councillor David Higgin who said the town was deeply indebted to her. "In the words of Frank Sinatra, she did it her way and wasn't it appreciated!"

Coun Fitzgerald thanked everyone for the help they had given her and her husband and consort Derek during their year in office.

"We have a enjoyed a wonderful year and learned so much about the borough," she said. "We have been pleased to represent the borough at many events and functions and met people from all walks of life. We will never forget the warmth and affection that has been shown to us."

Coun Fitzgerald and her husband were presented with medallions in recognition of their service.

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