Latest news

Sir Billy... never to be forgotten 🤍

This week we said an emotional farewell to Sir Billy Boston.

Rugby league fans and other Wigan Borough residents turned out in their thousands on Thursday in honour of a true legend, with many - including the Prime Minister - attending a service at The Brick Community Stadium and many more lining the streets to pay their respects.

While Sir Billy may be gone, he will certainly never be forgotten.

As a lasting tribute to a genuine local hero, Wigan's Believe Square has been officially renamed as 'Sir Billy Boston Square'. It was already home to his statue. Now it will bear his name forever. 

Councillor Nazia Rehman, Leader of Wigan Council, said: “It is a fitting tribute to a remarkable man whose achievements broke barriers, inspired generations, and will never be forgotten."

RIP Sir Billy... forever a part of Wigan.

Check out Leigh's new-look Civic Square 🤩

The new and improved Leigh Civic Square will be officially unveiled on Saturday (12 September) following a major programme of improvements. 

A central part of Leigh’s Regeneration Project, the new-look square has been designed to create a welcoming and vibrant destination in the heart of the town centre, complete with high-quality paving, new seating, improved landscaping, enhanced lighting, and attractive public realm features.

A soft launch was held on Thursday afternoon to mark the opening, inviting stakeholders including council staff, councillors, contractors, and the community groups who had a hand in designing the square. 

This included the Leigh, Atherton and Tyldesley Heritage Group who helped to design a heritage timeline featuring key events from the square's past, Leigh Young Writers who helped to create a poem that is engraved into the square, and the Pete Shelley Memorial Group who will plant a cherry tree as part of a memorial garden.

Celebrating Haigh's land train 🚂

Hundreds of visitors hopped aboard Haigh's much-loved land train during a free open day to officially mark the opening of the historic attraction.

The land train, which returned to Haigh in July, welcomed passengers throughout the day, carrying visitors between the visitor centre and Plantation Gates where they could explore the newly refurbished Grade II* listed buildings and the immersive North Lodge experience.

Councillor Chris Ready, cabinet portfolio holder for communities and neighbourhoods at Wigan Council, said: "We've had such positive feedback since the land train returned, so it was fantastic to see so many people taking advantage of the free open day. 🙌

"It's wonderful to see residents who remember the original land train sharing the experience with younger generations and enjoying everything Haigh has to offer."

The event forms part of the wider transformation of Haigh Hall and the surrounding woodland park, which is currently undergoing a multi-million-pound restoration programme.

Visitors can continue to enjoy regular weekend and school holiday land train services, with well-behaved dogs welcome on board!

Ashton getting a glow-up! 😍

Visible progress can be seen in Ashton-in-Makerfield with several properties benefitting from building grants to improve their shop fronts

Designed to make the high street more welcoming for residents, businesses, shoppers and visitors, the shop front scheme is being complemented with a public artwork project and improvements to town centre infrastructure.

A new market square complete with a diverse range of traders and community functions is also planned for Ashton, as part of the #OurFutureAshton regeneration project funded by UK Government.

Councillor Dane Anderton, the council's cabinet portfolio holder for economic development and regeneration, said the progress "not only enhances the appearance of the high street, but also supports local businesses by creating attractive places for people to visit, shop and spend time."

Have your final say on Local Plan 📢

Residents, businesses, and community organisations are being urged to have their final say on the council’s Local Plan of future development, which has changed significantly following public feedback.

After listening carefully to public feedback, Wigan Council’s cabinet decided that four employment sites included in a previous draft of the Local Plan will not be taken forward, including land to the north of M6 junction 26, Moss Industrial Estate extension, Bridgewater West in Astley, and West of Winwick Lane in Lowton.

The six housing sites that are still moving forward in the Plan have also been subject to several changes to policy following feedback.

Following the changes to the Plan, which guides how land is used and developed through to 2039, the six-week ‘publication’ stage of consultation will run until 5pm on Wednesday 21 October. 

'A strong voice and committed advocate' 💔

Earlier this week we learned of the sad passing of Councillor Bob Brierley, an independent representative of the Hindley Green ward.

First elected to the council in 2004, Bob served his community for more than two decades.

Paying tribute, Councillor Nazia Rehman, the Leader of Wigan Council, described him as "a strong voice and a committed advocate for the ward he represented."

Coun Rehman added: "While we did not always share the same political views and opinions, it was always clear how passionate Bob was about serving his community and supporting the people who elected him. My thoughts are with his family, friends and all those who knew and worked alongside him at this difficult time."

In other news...

👋 Come along to the next 'Meet the Leader' session with Councillor Nazia Rehman at Hindley Library on Tuesday 15 September. Running from 12.30pm to 2pm and open to all, it's a great opportunity to meet Nazia, share your views, ask questions about local issues, and find out more about what's happening in your community. Feel free to call in and have a chat ..

💜 Pride in Place will give local people the power to determine how significant funding is invested in Marsh Green and Laithwaite, and Platt Bridge and Spring View, over the next ten years. Help shape how the funding is spent by sharing your views. Take part in the Platt Bridge and Spring View survey, or the Marsh Green and Laithwaite survey.

🚓 Wigan Council’s Trading Standards team, in partnership with GM Police and the Wigan Borough Community Safety Partnership, have secured a three-month closure order for Shop & Save in Leigh after concerns were raised about illegal sales. Over the course of two months, Trading Standards officers seized 7,380 sticks of illicit cigarettes and four kilograms of illicit hand rolling tobacco, which was concealed in elaborate hides within the Bradshawgate premises.

🔌 The Great Cable Challenge returns for International E-Waste Day on October 14. With many people having a 'drawer of doom' packed with old chargers, cables and other bits of tech, the campaign is challenging people to finally clear out those unwanted cables and recycle the broken ones. Find out more about this year's Great Cable Challenge and how you can get involved.

What's on

More big brass events this weekend! 🎺 

After a fantastic first Proms in the Park event at Mesnes Park last weekend, there'll be another fabulous evening of live music, community spirit and celebration at Leigh's Pennington Hall Park on Saturday (12 September).

If you haven't already, make sure to get your tickets, pack a picnic, and enjoy performances from Tyldesley Brass Band and a spectacular firework display from Smart Pyro.

Meanwhile, don't forget there's more live music at Mesnes Park on Sunday (13 September) with a special free concert to mark this year’s anniversary of the Battle of Britain.

The Higham Brothers’ Memorial Concert will feature the combined bands of the Lancashire Artillery Volunteers Band and The Band of The Duke of Lancaster’s Regiment. The concert will be on the bandstand between 2pm to 4pm.

Two days later, on Battle of Britain Day (Tuesday 15 September), there'll also be a small ceremony at Believe Square that will start at 10.45am, with the minute’s silence taking place at 11am. All are welcome.

Christmas is coming (yes really!) 🎄

Yes, we know it's only September, but there's only 12 Fridays until the start of Leigh Sports Village's Christmas party nights!

With years of experience delivering world class sporting and entertainment events, the LSV's dedicated events team certainly know how to put on a night to remember. 

Starting on Friday 27 November and running every Friday and Saturday until 19 December, there's a fantastic line-up of festive events for you to enjoy.

Winter White party nights create the perfect Christmas celebration with a choice of DJ, DJ & Sax, or DJ & live singer entertainment. Each package includes an arrival drink and a delicious two course meal. (From £32.95pp).

Bringing a taste of Germany to the heart of Leigh, the Bavarian Bash combines bratwurst, beer, live entertainment and plenty of festive fun. (From £27.95pp).

So don't leave it late this year... book now online or find out more by calling 01942 487819 or emailing events@leighsportsvillage.co.uk.

Monday Night Football, lads? ⚽

After a brilliant start, the Monday Night 6-A-Side Football League at Leigh Sports Hub (part of the LSV site) will be expanding from 28 September to introduce multiple divisions.

The leagues are some of the most affordable and professionally managed around, at only £36 per team per week. It's a great excuse to squeeze in some extra outdoor activity and to meet up with your mates!

All you need is six lads aged 16 or over (captains must be aged 18-plus) and your boots. The Sports Hub team will do the rest and make sure you're familiar with the rules before you start.

Sign up online now, or for more info call 01942 487894 or email sportshub@leighsportsvillage.co.uk

More what's on...

⛪ Interested in local history, or looking for something different to do this autumn? Check out the borough’s new programme of free heritage open days. Running until 20 September, some of the borough’s most historic buildings - including churches, chapels, halls and houses -are opening their doors to offer behind-the-scenes educational experiences. These events are part of the nationwide Heritage Open Days programme. Find out more here.

🏉 The Betfred Women’s Super League Grand Final is coming to Wigan later this month! Watch Wigan Warriors go for the treble by defending their title at the Brick Community Stadium on Sunday 27 September (kick off 5.30pm). Tickets are just £15 for adults and £5 for juniors and also include entry for the promotion play-off final ahead of the main event as part of an exciting double header. Get your tickets from the Super League website.

Our communities

Watch out for our Flowers of Hope 🌺

Hundreds of handcrafted flowers are being scattered across the borough during the Month of Hope to remind those who need to hear it that there is always someone to turn to.

Made by local community groups and organisations, the carefully crocheted ‘Flowers of Hope’ are each accompanied by information about the Hub of Hope - a comprehensive directory of mental health support services.

Launched on World Suicide Prevention Day (10 September), the Month of Hope is all about encouraging honest discussions about mental health and wellbeing, reducing stigma and coming together as a community to prevent suicide.

Around 2,000 flowers are being made this year so watch out for them in town centres, parks, community venues and other popular locations as well as plenty other, more unexpected places. If you find one, please take it home with you or pass it on to a friend, family member or colleague who may need it. 

Councillor Keith Cunliffe, the council's deputy leader and cabinet portfolio holder for adult social care and health, said: “We hope they bring a smile to someone’s face as they go about their day, and remind those who need to hear it that there is always hope.” 🫶

Well done to our 10k runners! 🏃

A big well done to everyone who completed last Sunday's Wigan 10k, including members of the council's public health team who were raising money for two suicide charities.

They were part of a group of around 40 runners from the borough’s Suicide Prevention Partnership and other community organisations - including the NHS, GM Fire and Rescue Service and addiction support charity With You - who were running for Survivors Of Bereavement by Suicide (SOBS) and Samaritans.

Thanks to everyone who has supported them with a donation so far. If you’d like to contribute and help them smash their £1,000 fundraising target, you can still do so via the link below.

Locala clinic van on tour! 🚐

The Locala team will be out and about across the borough next week as part of Sexual Health Week.

On Tuesday (15 September) they’ll be bringing their brilliant ‘Clinic in a Van’ to Atherton and Tyldesley. Complete with two clinical rooms (and even a toilet!), the van offers all the same services that you’d find at mainstream clinics – such as STI screenings and treatment, HIV testing, contraception (excluding coils), C Cards and condoms.

The team will also be in Wigan and Leigh town centres later in the week offering advice and information about services available to support your wellbeing. Here’s where and when to find them:

📍 Tuesday 15 September - Clinical Van at The Men’s Health Forum, Atherton Laburnum Rovers FC, Crilly Park, Spa Road, Atherton, M46 9JX (9am-12:30pm) & at Tyldesley Hub, Poplar Street Surgery, M29 8AX (2.30pm-5.30pm)

📍 Wednesday 16 September - Grand Arcade Shopping Centre, Wigan (10.30am onwards)

📍 Thursday 17 September - Spinning Gate Shopping Centre, Leigh (9am-12noon)

More in our communities...

💚 Have you recently been diagnosed with diabetes? Feeling overwhelmed or not sure what to do? Join the free community event ‘Living Well with Diabetes’ to meet local health professionals, have a friendly chat and get practical support. Head to Orrell’s Edge Hall Road Community Stadium on Tuesday 15 September (9.15am-12.30pm) or Thursday 24 September (12.15pm-3.30pm) to speak to local services about eating well with diabetes, regular health checks, looking after your physical and mental wellbeing, and getting active in a way that works for you.

😷 Would you be able to spot the signs and symptoms of measles? A blotchy, sometimes raised, rash is one of the signs. It’s not usually itchy, and it can look different on different skin tones. Measles can be a serious infection that can lead to complications, especially in young children and those with weakened immune systems. If you think you or your child has measles, contact your GP practice urgently or call NHS 111. Visit the NHS website for more information on how to protect your family.

📢 What’s your experience with gambling? From playing the lottery to bingo, sports betting, gaming machines and gambling online, Wigan Council is looking to get a better understanding of gambling in Wigan Borough and how it can affect individuals, families and communities. Whether you gamble yourself, have gambled in the past, or if you’re affected by the gambling of someone close to you, you can make a difference by sharing your views and experiences completely anonymously. Complete the short online survey before the end of September.

❤️ If you're looking for a career where you can make a real difference, come along to the next Care To Join Us Recruitment Day at Mayfield House where you can chat to the team and find out more about a career in care. It’s on Monday 21 September at Marigold Lodge, Ullswater Road, Golborne, WA3 3JB. Just register your place on Eventbrite and the team will be in contact to book a time slot between 10am-4pm.

🍴 Did you know recent changes to eligibility mean that more children qualify for free school meals? Even if you have not been eligible before, it's worth checking to see if your child can benefit from school meals that are packed with healthy ingredients, designed to fuel learning, and helping families save up to £500 per child a year money on food costs. Find out more here.

Here For You

HMRC top-up payments 💸

HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) will be writing to one million people, mostly women, over the next few months explaining how they may be eligible for a top-up payment.

Those entitled are low earners who have missed out on the money because of the way the pension they pay into is administered. If you’re affected, you could be due around £70, although that may vary considerably depending on your circumstances.

Anyone eligible - the vast majority of whom will be of working age rather than pensioners - will be contacted automatically via a letter or your online personal tax account.

HMRC will not text, email or call you about it. If you receive such a call or message, it is a scam. HMRC will also never ask you to transfer money, or ask for PIN codes or passwords.

Visit the HMRC website for more advice on spotting a scam and making sure communications you receive are genuine.

Meanwhile, for more support on all things cost-of-living, don't forget to visit the council's Here For You web pages or call the team on 01942 489015 for information on support that may be available to you.