RADCLIFFE has grabbed more power than ever on Bury Council's all-powerful executive.

A shake-up following this month's local elections means that the town's councillors now occupy exactly half of the committee's ten seats.

Siobhan Costello, who represents Radcliffe South, replaces the defeated Gill Campbell as executive member for community services.

Radcliffe North councillor Tim Chamberlain gains the portfolio for regeneration and housing following the defeat of Ray Watts. And Radcliffe Central member Tony Isherwood is responsible for performance management, replacing Steve Treadgold.

The Conservatives have also made a change. Church ward councillor Roy Walker takes over from David Higgin as leader of Bury's Tory group, and sits as the party's sole member on the executive.

Retaining their posts are John Byrne (council leader), Mike Connolly (health and social services) and Stella Smith (environment and transport), along with Radcliffe councillors Steve Perkins (lifelong learning) and Wayne Campbell (resource). Tim Pickstone, meanwhile, remains the Liberal Democrat representative.