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Latest news

Super League glory up for grabs!!! 🏉

Tonight it’s the Battle of the Borough!


Yes, the time for talk is over and it’s all about who’ll be at Old Trafford for next week’s Betfred Super League Grand Final… Wigan Warriors or Leigh Leopards?!


We’d like to wish the very best of luck to both teams and we hope both sets of supporters enjoy the action at The Brick Community Stadium (kick-off 8pm) – although of course there can only be one winner!


That's not the only big rugby league game happening at The Brick this weekend... oh no!!! On Sunday, Wigan Warriors' women aim to complete a historic treble when they take on old rivals St Helens in the Women's Super League Grand Final (kick off 5.30pm)!


Good luck to Denis Betts's team. We're right behind you! Fancy going along? Tickets are still available from the official Super League website.


Earlier in the week, both the Warriors and Leopards men's and women's teams joined Wigan Athletic to deliver a powerful message of unity and remind those who need to hear it that there’s no room for hate in our community. If you haven’t seen the video yet, make sure to check it out below...

Sport Unites Us
Get your tickets for the Women's Super League Grand Final - Sunday 5 October

Solidarity in the wake of tragedy 

Flags have been flying at half mast at Leigh Town Hall and on Believe Square, Wigan as a mark of respect and solidarity, following the tragic events in Crumpsall on Thursday.


The Leader of Wigan Council, David Molyneux MBE, said: “I have been horrified, saddened and appalled by (Thursday’s) events in our city region.


“My thoughts and prayers are very much with the victims and their families, and all those who have been affected by this tragic incident which took place on the holiest day of the Jewish calendar, Yom Kippur.


“We stand in solidarity with Greater Manchester’s Jewish community.

“I would like to extend my thanks to the emergency services for their swift response.”

In other news...

⚠️ Storm Amy - the first named storm of the season - is causing issues across the UK, with weather warnings declared for both wind and rain into Saturday. With a risk of localised flooding, you can sign up for flood warnings on the official government website. You'll also find advice on how to prepare for flooding and what to do if a flood occurs on the council website here. Meanwhile, you can visit the Met Office website for more information on the weather warnings.


🫶 Wigan Council's Supporting Communities Fund is back, with borough-based voluntary, community, faith and social enterprise (VCFSE) organisations able to apply for funding to support their important projects. The fund has already provided £190k for nearly 200 grassroots schemes, and more support is now available over the next 12 months. Read the full story on our website.


📢 Don’t miss your chance to have your say on the next steps for Pennington Flash! In recent weeks we’ve been asking local residents about a couple of options we’ve been exploring for our fabulous nature reserve – both based around making the most of the current golf course. Our ideas are still at the early stages of development, and we want you to help shape them! So, if you haven’t shared your views already then now’s the time, with our online survey set to close next Wednesday (8 October). View our concepts and give your feedback.


🗳️ The Wigan Central ward by-election took place on Thursday, with Lee Moffitt (Reform UK) duly elected as to the council. Check our elections webpage for the full result.


💗If you care for someone, Wigan and Leigh Carers would love you to take a few minutes to fill in their short survey so that they can understand how best to support you over the next few years. To thank you for your time, everyone who completes the survey will be entered into a prize draw to win a £50 Love2Shop voucher (winner announced end of October). Complete the survey for your chance to win a £50 shopping voucher.

What's on

Fancy paddling for your pumpkin? 🎃

Spooky season is almost upon us… and if you’re looking for some inspo for some ghoulish half-term Halloween fun then look no further than Scotman’s Flash! Their frighteningly good family friendly Pumpkin Paddle Adventures are back from 27-31 October!!!


Paddle across the eerie waters in a rafted canoe or bell boat to collect your very own pumpkin – then carve and decorate your Jack O’Lantern and warm up around our cozy campfire with delicious hot chocolate and s’mores.


Spaces are limited, so grab your tickets now online or via the Be Well app to avoid disappointment! (Choose ‘Be Well Outdoors’ and ‘Scotman’s Flash: Pumpkin Paddle’ from the dropdown menus).


Suitable for ages 4+. All under 18s must be accompanied by an adult. Children aged 14 and under must also be accompanied by an adult on the water. Wetsuits not required. Got a question? Drop the team an email.

An image of young people paddling boats at Scotman's Flash
Book your Pumpkin Paddle Adventure at Scotman's Flash

More what's on...

👻 For more fiendish fun this October make sure to join Be Well’s FREE Spooky Halloween Trail at Pennington Flash on Wednesday 29 October (4-6pm). Hunt for creepy characters hidden around the Flash! It’ll be all treats, no tricks - expect prizes, fancy dress fun and lots of laughs. Can’t make it on the night? Don’t worry, maps (and prizes!) will be available from The Hide Coffee Shop right up until Halloween for a small charge of £1.


Have you got your FREE tickets for Light Night Wigan?! Timeslots are already starting to fill up for our three-day festival of stunning light installations at Mesnes Park (Thursday 20 November to Saturday 22 November)... so be sure to book now to avoid disappointment! This year, when booking your ticket, you’ll also see a new option to donate. Every contribution helps us keep Light Night Wigan free for everyone to enjoy, now and in the future. Even a small amount makes a big difference. Book your ticket online.


🎉 Come join the (Pedal) Party!!! Be Well’s Pedal Parties at Pennington Flash are a fun way for families to ride together without having to worry about traffic. You can build skills and take part in fun activities with our resident cycling expert Shauna. No bike or helmet? No problem! We have them to borrow! Head to the Flash this Saturday (4 October), 10am-12pm, or on Wednesday evenings all through October (5pm-6.30pm). Book your FREE spot via the Be Well app or online (select ‘community venues’ and ‘Pedal Party’ from the dropdown menu).


🍂 Explore the sights and sounds of autumn on Be Well’s October ‘Walking Safaris’! This time our friendly group will be taking in parts of the ‘Wigan Way’ – a pleasant well-trodden path among seasoned walkers. Three different walks will all start from St Stephen’s Church Hall in Whelley on the next three Sundays. Book your FREE spot for 5 October (11am-1pm), 12 October (12pm-2pm) or 19 October (11am-1pm). New to Be Well? Simply create your free booking profile at checkout. You can also book via the Be Well app.


💍 If you're recently engaged and are still searching for your perfect wedding venue, pop along to the Progress With Unity Stadium at Leigh Sports Village for their wedding open day on Sunday 19 October (12pm-4pm). You can explore the event suites and their wedding co-ordinator will be available to ask questions and to help you start planning your dream day in a relaxed and welcoming setting.


🎄Already starting to plan your Christmas party? Take a look at what’s on offer at the Progress With Unity Stadium at Leigh Sports Village. You can choose from a magical evening in the enchanting Rustic Winter Wonderland or let loose at the lively Jingle Bell Bash. Find out more on their website or contact 01942 487878 or email events@leighsportsvillage.co.uk

Our communities

An image saying Quitters Never Win with the word Quitters crossed out

Start winning this #Stoptober! 🚭

They say that quitters never win… but when it comes to stopping smoking that simply isn’t true!


Whether it’s better health, enjoying the taste of food more, or saving some serious money (around £5,000 for the average smoker – more than enough for your dream holiday!!!), there are so many ‘wins’ to celebrate when you give up cigarettes.


There’s never a bad time to quit, but by taking part in Stoptober you’ll be joining countless smokers all over the UK who are giving up for good.


For an extra bit of support, make sure to get in touch with the Be Well Stop Smoking Service. Evidence shows you’re four times more likely to succeed with the right support – and this free service can give you the guidance and encouragement you need to be a quitter!


Give them a call on 01942 828535 or get in touch via the Be Well website.

Get support to quit smoking this Stoptober

More from communities...

🏫 We’re lighting up Wigan and Leigh town halls this month to mark national awareness month #BlackHistoryMonth25. Black History Month was first celebrated in 1926 and aims to encourage everyone to think about the important contributions Black people have made to our communities throughout history and today. We want Wigan Borough to be a fairer, kinder place, where all our residents can feel proud to be themselves. We have recently adopted an anti-racism charter, which means we actively seek to eliminate discrimination, harassment and victimisation based on race, colour, and religion. You can find out more about Black History Month activities across Greater Manchester and read about inspirational people from the region at www.bhmgreatermcr.com Other important awareness days in October will also be marked.


👏 The Military v Cancer Field Gun Pull came through Wigan Borough this week! Starting on 1 September, volunteers are taking on the extraordinary challenge of pulling a 1-ton Field Gun all the way from John O’Groats to Land’s End – over 1,000 miles on foot – to raise funds and awareness for Military vs Cancer. Teams from the Council, the Armed Forces Hub, Greenmount Projects, Wigan Warriors and Wigan Athletic took part in its journey through our borough. Find out more and donate on their crowdfunder. 


🌊 Looking for a new volunteering challenge in Greater Manchester? Could you help the RNLI share lifesaving water safety messages in your community? The RNLI is the charity that saves lives at sea and helps to prevent emergencies in coastal and inland waterways.

They are currently looking for volunteers to be their water safety officer and water safety advisor. Interested in helping people, learning new skills and building confidence? Take a look before 9 November when these opportunities close.


🤰 Want to learn more about eating well and staying active during pregnancy? The Be Well team will be at the Family Hub at The Meadows this month for a couple of FREE info sessions that are all about giving your baby the best start in life. Book your ticket now via eventbrite for Wednesday 8 October (1pm-2.30pm) or Monday 20 October (6pm-7.30pm).


🏫 If your child turned 11 or will turn 11 between 1 September 2025 and 31 August 2026, they will transfer to secondary school at the start of the new school year in September 2026. To apply for their secondary school place go to www.wigan.gov.uk/schooladmissions. If you need any support with your application or have questions, email schoolplaces@wigan.gov.uk. Closing date for applications is 31 October, 2025.