Latest news

That's 'Sir' Billy to us!!! ⭐🏉

This week we had the incredible honour of joining Sir Billy Boston and his family at Wigan Town Hall for the unveiling of his brand new Believe Star.

Rugby league legend Billy was one of the very first names on our borough's Walk of Fame, but when he made history as the first RL player to receive a knighthood it meant his plaque was out of date!

The Mayor, council leaders, and representatives from Wigan Warriors and the RFL were present to see the brand new star, while a new plaque will also be added to his statue in Believe Square soon.

Sir Billy means so much to our borough, and this tribute will ensure his legacy continues to inspire future generations. Sir Billy, you truly are a star!

We really care in Wigan Borough 🫶

We had some amazing news this week, with the Care Quality Commission (CQC) rating Wigan Council as outstanding for how it supports adults under the Care Act. Inspectors praised strong leadership and excellent partnership working, issuing a 95 per cent overall score – one of the highest in the country!

CQC highlighted our borough's commitment to helping people stay independent, providing timely equipment and home adaptations, supporting carers, and offering a wide range of services that improve people’s wellbeing. Staff were praised for their dedication, innovation and the positive difference they make every day.

This recognition reflects the council’s continued focus on helping residents live well, safely and independently.

Commitment to clear illegal waste dump

The government has announced its Waste Crime Action Plan, which has committed to clear the illegal waste dump at Bolton House Road in Bickershaw.

The plan sets out a zero-tolerance approach to illegal waste dumping, aiming to prevent the crime at its source by closing loopholes and equipping regulators with the tools they need to stop waste criminals.

Following the fire at the Bolton House Road site in July 2025, Wigan Council has been working with partners to minimise the impact on the public and the environment, and to prevent any further illegal waste being dumped at the site.

While preliminary assessments have already taken place, further clean-up assessments will begin immediately and we look forward to seeing progress at the site as soon as possible.

Check out these gains! 💪

Here’s a sneak peek of the new gym at Wigan Life Centre, which is set to reopen on Monday 30 March.

It’s the fifth Be Well leisure centre to get major investment in the past couple of years, with a fresh new look and the very latest fitness equipment - including state-of-the-art Technogym Checkup system that can calculate your ‘wellness age’.

Standish Leisure Centre is also due for its own makeover later in the spring, and Hindley Leisure Centre is currently having a minor refresh too while longer-term options are explored.

To celebrate, new members can currently get one month free when they join using the code BEWELLSPRING.

A new art exhibition for Haigh 🖼️

The rich history of Haigh will be brought to life in a dazzling art exhibition at one of its iconic sites.

The North Lodge at Plantation Gates will house a new bespoke installation, designed by Ashton-in-Makerfield-based animator and technologist James Hooton, alongside creative director and artist Leo Mercer.

It will feature aspects of Haigh’s rich history, biodiversity and natural beauty, marking a new era for the historic buildings on Wigan Lane.

In other news...

📰 Areas across Wigan Borough are set to benefit from a £1.5m fund to boost community projects and venues. The wards of Atherton North, Hindley, Worsley Mesnes, Wigan West and Ince will get investment from the Government's Pride in Place Impact Fund, which is designed to deliver visible improvements in communities and strengthen social infrastructure. Find out more on our website.

🚌 Improvements are coming to Bee Network bus services in Wigan Borough later this year - including a new service between Wigan and St Helens via Abram, Golborne and Newton-le-Willows. Among the other changes are more buses to the Trafford Centre, extra night bus servies to Leigh, and more frequent peak time services on the V1 to support new homes at Mosley Common. Learn more on the Bee Network website.

👩‍👧‍👦 Major improvement works are set to get underway at the Family Hub at Leigh. Guided by local community, the upgrades will make the building more accessible and more energy efficient, while creating more space for activities, events and services within the community. Read the full story on our website.

What's on

The Big Wigan Walk Week is back! 🥾

Lace up those walking boots... Be Well's popular Big Wigan Walk Week will be back from Saturday 23 May to Sunday 31 May, with around 50 organised walks taking place across the borough!

The nine-day festival is all about being active, exploring the borough’s beauty spots and celebrating local heritage. Highlights include history walks in Ince and Hindley’s beautiful Borsdane Wood, orienteering at Pennington Flash, and ‘The New Wigan Way’ – an updated version of a nine-mile ramblers’ favourite that ties together Wigan’s iconic Pier Quarter, Haigh Hall and the woodland plantations.

The events are expected to be popular, with 586 walkers attending last year’s festival, and with limited places available residents are encouraged to book early! 

Hop to it for Easter... and don't be late! 🐰

If you're looking for ways to keep the kids active and entertained this Easter, Be Well has a brilliant line‑up of fun, affordable activities across the borough. Places are limited so make sure to book now to avoid missing out!

🎒 Activity Camps – Howe Bridge Leisure Centre

Full‑day camps packed with climbing, skating, swimming and outdoor play – ideal for ages 5–12. Last time they sold out fast, so early booking is recommended!

• Dates: 7–10 April & 13–17 April
• Times: 8:30am – 4:30pm
• Price: £17 per child, per day

🛶 Easter Activity Camps – Scotman’s Flash

Adventure‑filled days on the water for ages 8–14. Perfect for kids who love exploring, teamwork and trying new challenges. Activities include: Kayaking • Canoeing • Paddleboarding • Outdoor adventure challenges
New skills, new friends, endless memories!

• Dates: 6–10 April & 13–17 April
• Times: 9:00am – 4:30pm
• Price: £30 per day

🏊 Inflatable Pool Sessions – Hindley Pool

Jump, scramble, slide and race across the wobbliest inflatable obstacle course… if you dare! Perfect for energetic swimmers aged 8–14. (Note: Children must be able to swim.)

• Dates: Wed 8 & 15 April / Fri 10 & 17 April
• Time: 1:00pm – 2:00pm
• Price: £5.30 per child

More what's on...

🐣 Damhouse in Astley have a fun Easter Egg Hunt on 4 April. For £4 per child, little ones can search for hidden eggs around the grounds and exchange them for a sweet Easter treat. There’ll also be crafts, games, refreshments and face painting - perfect for a family day out.

🎭 Robin Hood Panto at Wigan Pier - Awkward Tree presents a brand‑new production of Robin Hood at Pier 4, Wigan Pier. Join the fun on Saturday 21 March (7.30pm) and Sunday 22 March (2pm). A great opportunity to enjoy an original panto suitable for all ages!

🎶 Live Music at Leigh Sports Village - Two big nights are coming up: Billy Ocean on 29 May and The Lottery Winners on 30 May. Tickets are available at livenation.co.uk. Limited hospitality packages are also available by emailing events@leighsportsvillage.co.uk or calling 01942 487819.

⚽ Join the 6‑a‑Side Football Leagues - Leigh Sports Hub runs 6‑a‑side leagues every Monday and Wednesday from 7pm, from just £34 per team. Think your team could be the next winners? Spaces are limited so sign up now.

Our communities

Local Offer Live Returns for 2026 🌟 

A free event showcasing support for families and young people across Wigan Borough will be back this year at Leigh's Progress With Unity Stadium.

Focused on SEND support, the event includes a marketplace of services and a range of informative workshops.

It's on Monday 27 April with drop‑in sessions from 10am-2pm and 3.30pm-6.30pm. Everyone is welcome, no booking required, and a quiet space will be available throughout.

Spotting the signs of meningitis 🧑‍⚕️

Meningitis has been in the news this week following the outbreak down in Kent. It's always good to know what to look for.

Symptoms of meningitis develop suddenly and can include:

👉 a high temperature (fever)

👉 being sick

👉 a headache

👉 a rash that does not fade when a glass is rolled over it (but a rash will not always develop)

👉 a stiff neck

👉 a dislike of bright lights

👉 drowsiness or unresponsiveness

👉 seizures (fits)

Remember: If you think you or someone you look after could have meningitis or sepsis, call 999 or go to A&E immediately.

More from our communities...

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Childcare is a great opportunity for young children to develop their social skills and learn new things. There are different funding streams for free childcare for people who receive qualifying benefits including income support, child tax credit working tax credit, income related job seeker’s allowance and more, for working parents, and help with before and after school childcare. Visit the government childcare eligibility checker to see if you qualify and how to apply.

💬 Are you a parent carer? If so, you're invited to a session hosted by Wigan Parent Carer Forum next Monday (23 March) from 10am-12noon at the Family Hub at Formby Avenue, Atherton. As part of the council's My Day My Way engagement, you'll be welcome to share ideas and talk about the future aspirations of young people transitioning into adult services. If you can’t make it, you can also get involved online.

🥗 Is your diet failing? If so, you wouldn’t be alone… All diets work, until they don’t - and there’s one simple reason why. Read the latest blog on the Be Well website for 6 top tips to get back on track when it comes to eating more healthily.

🚗 Want to be more confident on busy roads, improve your car’s efficiency and save money on running costs? Sign up for one of TfGM's upcoming free Safer Driving for Longer sessions. Book your place on the TfGM website.

🎉 Eid al-fitr falls this weekend - the celebration that for those of Muslim faith marks the joyful end of Ramadan, a period of calm prayer and contemplation. Eid is usually celebrated with family gatherings, feasting, gift-giving, and acts of charity. We'd like to wish everyone in the borough who is celebrating over the next few days a very happy and peaceful Eid.

Here For You

Important update on support fund

The Household Support Fund is concluding on 31 March 2026 and from 1 April, the UK Government is providing new funding, called the Crisis and Resilience Fund. This new fund will be administred by local authorities in England to support low‑income households who experience a financial shock, and to strengthen both individual and community financial resilience.

The eligibility criteria and the way the fund can be used will change under the new fund. It is important to note that Crisis Payments are intended to meet occasional or short‑term needs. They cannot be used as a replacement for regular income or ongoing financial support. Crisis Payments can be used for:

• Emergency support for food, fuel, water and essential household items
• Costs relating to clothing, including warm winter clothing and footwear
• Support following a disaster, such as serious flood, fire, explosion or leak
• Help with unexpected costs linked to an accident, health emergency or mental health crisis
• Essential items such as white goods, medical equipment or heating equipment
• Essential transport costs, where required to prevent or address crisis
• Assistance where residents have no means to meet basic living costs

Wigan Council's Here for You campaign is approaching £17million of previously unclaimed financial support finding its way into the pockets of local residents.

Through the Crisis and Resilience fund, residents will continue to be supported to build long‑term financial resilience via a pathway that includes income maximisation, debt advice and budgeting support.