THE borough’s politicians have sent the readers of the Bury Times festive greetings for the Christmas and New Year period.

Here is what they had to say:

James Frith MP, Bury North

Happy new year to you and your family. I hope you’ve had a restful Christmas and plenty of time with the people you love.

Have you committed to a new year’s resolution? I do dry January and give up sugar which kicks-start my focus for another year.

I love what new year represents, with the fresh start it offers us and the chance to recommit to what’s important in each our own lives. It’s a time of hope, of new expectations and possibilities.

The old problems haven’t gone away of course but our ability to tackle them has often improved with fresh eyes.

The political malaise in our national politics is real but I’m certain of Bury’s prospects being good because of our faith in fairness and in each other.

As well as all my other work, my team and I dealt with over 5,000 cases in 2018.

Resolving these made life and living in Bury, Tottington and Ramsbottom better for those we helped.

So in 2019, if you need a hand tackling a problem you’re facing then add me to your team, count on me and let’s tackle the challenges ahead together.

Happy New Year to you all.

Cllr Rishi Shori, Bury Council leader

For me, Christmas is all about community. A time of celebration, to be shared with our families, friends and neighbours, bringing light to this darkest month of year.

It’s also an occasion when we remember those who are less fortunate than ourselves, and help them to share the happiness we feel at this time.

While most of us are looking forward to a happy break, let’s give thanks to the many wonderful people in Bury whose vital work means they will not be on holiday.

Included among them are the volunteers who provide hot meals to the homeless; the nurses who tend to our health; the care assistants who look after our most vulnerable residents; and the emergency services who keep us safe.

Can I urge you all to recycle over the festive period? Think of all that cardboard packaging, the drinks bottles and uneaten food that could be put in the green, blue and brown bins!It’s the best Christmas present we could give our environment.

I hope that Christmas brings you everything you desire, and we can all return refreshed in the New Year ready to take on the challenges that face us.

Ivan Lewis MP, Bury South

The New Year is a time for reflection, spent with family and friends, where we look forward to the future.

It’s important to take the time to appreciate what this year has given us and what the new one is about to bring.

But at this time of year surrounding by friends, family and in comfort it’s important that we remember those less fortunate than us.

Greater numbers of people are relying on the kindness of food banks and some are struggling to access their benefits due to the role out universal credit. All making life harder for many this time of year. This year saw the number of people homeless on the streets of Britain rise again. As a society we can and must pledge to do better in 2019.

2018 has been a year of uncertainty with Brexit dominating the news.

I hope that in 2019 the country will be able to come together in our national interest around a proposal that works for us all and ends any fears of a no deal scenario which would be so bad for our national stability.

For my part I eagerly look forward to representing the people of Prestwich, Whitefield and Radcliffe in 2019 in the best way I can working with groups, charities and individuals to deliver on our town centre regeneration, improving mental health services and securing another secondary school.

I want wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.