Latest news

New Golborne station on track🚉

Work on Greater Manchester's first new train station in 25 years is now underway. 

Linking the town to the railway for the first time in more than 60 years, Golborne's new station marks a major milestone for the community and a significant investment in the town's future.

Not only will the station greatly improve connectivity for local people, it will open up new opportunities for residents and businesses, and support economic growth across the area.

To mark the start of construction works, Leader of Wigan Council, Councillor Nazia Rehman, was invited to the site along with GM mayor Bev Craig and representatives from TfGM and locally-based contractors Murphy.

Have you seen the new murals in Ashton? 🤩

Forming part of the £6.6m #OurFutureAshton regeneration project, the creation of public artworks have been commissioned to breathe new life into the town centre, whilst reflecting the pride, history and values of the local community.

With community involvement and feedback at the heart of the project, residents will be able to see strikingly bright murals around the town centre.

The public art project follows on from Snow Graffiti's Titanic-inspired work off Gerard Street, which was completed last year and recently updated with the original ‘ghost sign’ advertisement by Carl Tickle.

With Ashton also benefitting from revamped shop fronts and a new-look market square as part of its regeneration project, please remember to visit the town centre and shop local whilst works are ongoing!

Support for long-term rough sleepers ❤️

A new pilot programme to support people experiencing long-term rough sleeping is set to launch across the Wigan Borough following a funding boost.

The scheme will provide tailored support for those with the most complex needs, helping more residents access the right support at the right time.

Backed by national funding and local investment, the programme builds on Wigan Council’s strong commitment to preventing homelessness and supporting vulnerable people across our communities.

Delivered by registered provider You Matter, linked in with wider services, it will offer a psychologically informed, trauma-aware, and recovery-focused approach.

It is designed to support people who have spent extended periods rough sleeping to come indoors and build resilience, recover, and move towards independence.

Bin day change for parts of borough ♻️

Waste collection days are set to change for some residents next month, following a thorough review of the council’s collection rounds.

Less than three percent of the borough will be affected by the change, with letters and updated bin calendars sent to the affected residents in Higher Folds, Platt Bridge, Mosley Common, Siddow Common, Astley Green, Bedford, Golborne, and Standish.

With bin collection rounds not reviewed in almost a decade, the changes have been made to improve the efficiency and reliability of our rounds, whilst spreading the workload more evenly amongst waste crews and minimising the changes for residents.

Funding boost for WN7 CIC 📣

Following a successful launch of their Positive Pathways programme, the Wigan Borough Community Safety Partnership has funded a further £28,000 to WN7 Outreach CIC to keep the programme running until March 2027.

It comes after the partnership previously funded Positive Pathways over the summer, to reduce youth anti-social behaviour and support young people across the WN7 ward, Leigh town centre and Leigh South.

The funding boost means WN7 can enhance their programme and reach more young people, aged 11 to 18-years-old, through a blend of indoor provision, outreach, sport, fitness, mentoring, targeted activities and weekend opportunities.

Based at The Cotton Mill in Leigh, WN7 will continue to focus on reducing anti-social behaviour and maintain relationships through winter while also moving towards positive participation and progression.

Councillor Kevin Anderson, cabinet portfolio holder for police, crime and civil contingencies, said: "Anthony Doyle and the whole team work incredibly hard to give our young people a positive, safe environment to spend their time. I hope by continuing this programme we can help more young people make positive changes and choices."

In other news...

⚖️ An arrest warrant is outstanding for a rogue roofer who defrauded vulnerable residents. At a hearing at Bolton Crown Court last month, Tyrone Young, the owner of ACL Roofing and Staydry, was sentenced to a total of five years and four months in prison after pleading guilty to fraud and trading regulatory offences. Following a prosecution brought by Wigan Council's Trading Standards team, Young failed to show up in court. He was sentenced in his absence and a warrant remains out for his arrest. Read the full story on the council website.

🚗 Works to improve Carr Lane Precinct Car Park are set to start on Wednesday (7 October). These works are funded by the Pride in Place Impact Fund, a pot doubled by Wigan Council with £3 million set to make a real difference in communities across our borough. Parts of the car park will be open throughout as much as possible, with reduced parking availability for approximately one week while the works are completed.

📩 Every year, Wigan Council checks the electoral register is up to date so that everyone who has the right to vote in upcoming elections can have their say. You may have already received an email from elections@wigan.gov.uk but, if not, keep an eye out for a letter arriving next month. When you receive a message from the council, just follow the instructions so the team can check their records are up to date. Visit the council website if you'd like to know more, or if you're unsure about what to do.

🎒 It’s time to apply for your child’s place at primary school. If your child was born between 1 September 2022 and 31 August 2023, they will start reception class at the start on the new school year in September 2027. Apply before 15 January 2027 on the council website. If you need any support with your application or have questions, email schoolplaces@wigan.gov.uk.

🏠 Wigan Council is consulting on proposed changes to tenancy agreements to ensure they remain clear, up-to-date, and reflect current legislation, good practice, and the needs of tenants and communities. Find out more and share your views on the participate website

What's on

New tennis courts looking ace! 🎾

Tennis has returned to Wigan’s Mesnes Park with the opening of four new community courts. The old disused courts at the north west quarter of the park have been brought back to life following investment from the council.

As you can see they’re looking absolutely smashing (get it?!) with all-new surfacing, nets and fencing. They’re now available to book and play, so why not give them a try?

Plus… watch out for free social tennis sessions as part of Be Well’s wider parks and racquet sports offer.

Lots on at Haigh! 🎃

Haigh Woodland Park is the place to be this autumn, with fantastic family events, nature trails and more. Here's a taste of what's happening in October...

🍻 Oktoberfest: On Friday 30 October (6pm-10pm), enjoy an unforgettable evening of Bavarian-inspired celebration as Oktoberfest returns to Haigh. Bringing together great beer, fantastic food from Foodie Friday and live entertainment from the fantastic Jäger Maestros in a lively Oktoberfest atmosphere.

🧌 Haigh Monster Mash: On Saturday 31 October, 2pm-4pm. A spook-tacular family fancy dress party with an afternoon of Halloween fun, music, entertainment, themed activities and a fancy dress competition for all ages.

🎃 Pumpkin Pickin 'in the Walled Garden: From Saturday 24 to Thursday 29 October, bring the family along to enjoy seasonal fun, autumn photo opportunities and, of course, find the perfect pumpkin to take home. Book your ticket on eventbrite.

🧙🏻 Haigh Little Explorers: Join Jen for a Halloween themed family walk and story time on Tuesday 27 October (10am & 11am). Fancy dress optional, but always encouraged 😁 Book your tickets on Eventbrite. Cost- £3.50 per child, adults go free.

🍄 Nature Fungi Walk: On Saturday 10 October, join Discover the Wild to explore Haigh through the many species of fungi. The group will meet at 10.30am at Haigh visitors centre. Book your ticket on eventbrite.

🦇 Bats, Moths & Moonlight: Join a guided nocturnal nature walk using bat detectors and set up a moth light to attract night flying insects on Thursday 15 October at 6pm. Book your ticket now on eventbrite. 

👋 Join Age UK Wigan Borough for a guided community walk on Sunday (4 October) at 10am. Meeting outside the Haigh Visitors Centre, this is free to attend. Just register your place.

🥁 New Ladies over 50s Nordic Walking Group: No experience needed and equipment supplied if you it. Come and join this friendly group, every Tuesday at 11am, meeting outside the Haigh Visitors Centre. It's free to attend, just book your place now

More what's on...

👩‍⚕️ You can get a FREE ‘health MOT’ at Leigh Leisure Centre’s Health and Wellbeing Open Day next Thursday (8 October). Pop in anytime from 10am-3pm for a free NHS mini health check and a free wellness checkup from the Be Well team, plus advice and information on lots of topics including cancer screening, mental wellbeing, getting online, healthy employment, the cost of living and more. You can also pick up a FREE 14-day fitness pass for Be Well leisure centres. Find out more on the Be Well website.

👧 Get your child's car seat checked for free on Friday 9 October. Between 10am-3pm, Good Egg Safety will be at Tesco on Central Park Way, Wigan. Two thirds of child seats checked across the UK are fitted incorrectly. Unfortunately, errors on seats are very easily made, but the great news is that they tend to be easy to fix. Good Egg's trained safety advisors can help you ensure your child is safely strapped in. Find out more on their Facebook event. 

Our communities

Young people gather for Climate Summit 💚

A day of education, innovation, and collaboration was held at the Youth Climate Summit this week.

Organised by Wigan Council’s Climate Response Team, the event returned to The Edge for the fifth time on Wednesday to highlight the importance of the environment and sustainability.

Attended by pupils from primary school through to high school and college, the summit heard special guest speeches, held interactive workshops, served plant-based food, and shared top tips about how we can all make a difference in the fight against climate change.

Well done, Elaine! 👏

Elaine’s just one of the many local people who’ve quit smoking with FREE support from the Be Well Stop Smoking Service.

A smoker for 55 years, by getting in touch with Be Well she finally found the help she needed to give up for good.

Elaine says: “Anyone can do it with the right support… and the right support is here with Be Well!”

With personalised quit plans, nicotine replacement options and ongoing encouragement from friendly health coaches, you’re up to four times more likely to be able to succeed.

So, this Stoptober, give quitting your best shot with Be Well in your corner. Call the Be Well Stop Smoking Service on 01942 828535 or sign up online to start your journey today.

Protect yourself this winter 🤒

October is here… but while there’s lots of spooky, pumpkin-spiced fun to look forward to, the colder weather also means more viruses spreading around.

As you get older, or if you live with a long-term health condition, viruses such as flu and COVID-19 - which pass more easily from person to person during the winter months - can lead to serious illness and even time in hospital.

That’s why the NHS offers free winter vaccines to those most at risk (including over 65s, children, pregnant people and those who are immunosuppressed) to keep them protected and going strong this winter.

To find out more about flu and COVID-19 jabs, including where to get them, head to the NHS Greater Manchester website.

Could you save someone’s life? 🫶

Sometimes all it takes to save a life is a conversation. That’s why, as part of this year’s Month of Hope, we’re encouraging all our BoroughLife readers to sign up for free online suicide awareness training.

Designed by the Zero Suicide Alliance, the training is ideal for those who want to learn how to help someone who may be struggling.

It's available to anyone aged 16 and over, and takes just 30 minutes or so to complete… and you never know when it might be needed.

More in our communities...

💜 If you’re looking for help to feel better, or you want to support someone who is struggling, make sure to visit the Hub of Hope. You can search a directory of tens of thousands of mental wellbeing support services, using filters to find and choose support that’s right for you. Download the Hub of Hope app now from your usual app store or visit the Hub of Hope website.

🧠 The Council's Mental Health Support Team in Schools will be delivering 'Inside the Young Brain' - a workshop for parents and carers - at Family Hubs during the October half term. Explore how children's brains develop and why they sometimes react strongly to emotions, stress, and challenging situations. If your child is struggling with big feelings, this will be a useful, informative workshop. Book your free place on eventbrite

Here For You

Remember, we're Here For You 💛

Money worries can be a real source of worry and stress.

So, during the Month of Hope, it's worth remembering that Wigan Council's Here For You teams are here to offer free support and advice on all things cost-of-living. 

Whatever your situation, the team are there to chat through your circumstances and see if there's anything you're eligible for that you might not have realised. 

You can catch them at their regular sessions out in the community, give them a call on 01942 489015, or visit the council website for more information on how the team can support you.