Boost for school safety in Leigh 🛑

A new 'School Street' has been launched at Westleigh St Paul's C of E Primary School in Leigh, making things safer for families at drop-off and pick-up times.

Road safety had been a long-running concern for the school, with pupils Ava and Alfie Potts completing a survey which reported many vehicles parking on the pavements and obstructing access.

Headteacher, Julie Leach said: "We've had lots of support from parents who are very happy about the School Street scheme, and this is going to be a much safer, calmer environment for parents and children."

In other news...

🗳️ Thinking about standing as a local councillor? Nomination packs are now available to collect from Wigan Town Hall. Find out what councillors do, how to stand, and the support available to you on the LGA website. 

More of what's on...

💜 It's International Women’s Day this Sunday (8 March) and there's lots going on across the borough to celebrate. Take a look at the council website to find out what's happening near you!

Our communities

A Safe Haven on your night out 💜

Do you know about the Safe Haven on King Street? Well, lots of people do... because the facility, dedicated to keeping people safe during a night out, has already supported more than 700 people since opening last year.

Launched by the council as part of their ongoing work through the Wigan Borough Community Safety Partnership, it provides people access to phone chargers, advice on how to get home safely, welfare assistance, and a base for emergency service partners.

The haven is open on Fridays from 9pm to 2am and Saturdays from 11pm to 5am, with trained safety marshals on hand to offer help to those in a time of need.

Community gathers for day of reflection ❤️

Gatherings took place at the COVID-19 Memorial Sites on Mesnes Field in Wigan and in Lilford Park in Leigh today, to remember those who lost their lives during the pandemic, and to honour the tireless work and acts of kindness shown during the unprecedented time. 

Looking for an opportunity? 🔍

Wondering what to do next in your career? Make sure to check out the council's latest Community Recruitment Events which are happening over the next couple of weeks.

You'll discover new paid, voluntary and educational opportunities in a relaxed and welcoming environment... and you can even get help with writing your CV! There's even a bookable 'quiet hour' for those who may need it.

The details ⬇️

📅 Wednesday 11 March

⏰ 10.30am-1pm & 3pm-6pm (Quiet Hour: 9.30am-10.30am)

📍 The Edge, Riveredge, Wigan, WN35AB

📅Thursday 19 March

⏰ 10.30am-1pm & 3pm-6pm (Quiet Hour: 9.30am-10.30am)

📍Progress with Unity Stadium, Sale Way, Leigh, WN74JY

More from communities...

🚫This week was 'No More Week', which raises awareness to end domestic abuse and sexual violence across the UK. As part of Wigan Borough's Community Safety Partnership, the council has a dedicated Wigan Borough Domestic Abuse service - offering free, confidential support across Wigan and Leigh. For more information, and to get in touch with our services, visit the Wigan Borough Community Safety Partnership website.

☕ Come along to The Family Hub at The Meadows, Ridyard St, Wigan, WN5 9RQ, next Saturday (14 March) between 12 noon-2pm, for an afternoon tea to celebrate the launch of the brand-new Girls Club! Booking is required so click here to book your place. After the launch, there'll also be a weekly Girls Club peer support session for women aged 18+ every Monday from 10am-11.30am, offering a safe, welcoming space for women to come together and chat without judgement.

🤝 Do you know a young person aged 16-25 who might make a good leader of the future? Applications are now open for the Youth Leads UK & GMCA Youth Civic Leadership Programme, supporting young people across Greater Manchester to step into real decision-making spaces - from courtrooms to boardrooms. Find out more and apply here

🚌 It’s your last chance to have your say on Greater Manchester’s 2050 Transport Strategy and 10-year delivery plan. The council is working with Bee Network to plan transport improvements for 2027-37 and beyond, and you can share your thoughts via the online public consultation, which ends on Monday (9 March).

🎨 Local residents and business owners with an interest in art or Ashton-in-Makerfield’s heritage are invited to join the Public Art Panel or take part in the next engagement session at St Thomas' Church on Tuesday (10 March), from 4.30pm to 6pm. If you'd like to attend or want to express interest in joining the panel, please email the team at: ourfutureashton@wigan.gov.uk using 'Public Art Panel' as the subject of your email.

Here For You

Support when times may be hard 💛

We know recent news may be causing some concern about energy bills and the cost of living, but please don't forget you're not alone.

Support is available from Here for You, whether it's help to access benefits, how to save energy, or advice to protect your mental health if money worries are getting you down.

The Here for You campaign has already resulted in £16million of previously, unclaimed financial support, finding its way into the pockets of local residents, so it's definitely worth checking if you're eligible for support too.