THE chairman of Ramsbottom's Area Board has stood down after seven years at the helm.

Ramsbottom ward councillor Dorothy Gunther had held the post since the introduction of area boards in 1999.

Coun Yvonne Wright will be taking over as chairman at this month's meeting.

And the area board will also welcome two new faces.

Nicole Tilly, from the democratic services department of the council, will take over the role of area board administrator from Deryck Cawthron, who has taken early retirement.

And Diana Ashworth will also be attending her first meeting as a newly- elected Ramsbottom ward councillor.

Coun Wright said: "Coun Gunther has done an excellent job as the chair in promoting the area board and its work, ensuring that relevant organisations under-stand the needs of the whole area.

"I am looking forward to carrying on that good work, and I will give my full commitment to this new and challenging role."

Coun Wright urged more people to attend the meetings and have their say of local issues.

She said: "Rams-bottom, Tottington and North Manor Area Board meetings are quite well attended, but we would like to see many more people coming along to find out what is going on in their area, and to voice any news, views or concerns that affect them.

"There are regular reports on highways and traffic, youth services, policing issues, as well as the open forum, where members of the public have a chance to have their say."

The next meeting is on Tuesday, May 30 at Rowlands Methodist Church, Rowlands Road, Summerseat, at 7pm.