Wigan commits £4m to Leigh regeneration

Regeneration projects in Leigh are to receive £4m from Wigan Council’s 2017/18 budget.

The news was announced by Lord Peter Smith, leader of Wigan Council, at a Deal in Action public event. Smith said that the public will be asked for ideas on how the money should be spent.

He said: “We often hear Leigh residents saying that the council never listens to them. Well, we are listening and we do care about Leigh, which is why I wanted to secure this funding to help improve the area. As a Leigh resident myself I understand how important our town is. But rather than us telling you how we’re going to spend the money we want you to tell us. We want to listen and we will.”

Ongoing projects in Leigh to which the council has committed funding include £900,000 on Bradshawgate and the outdoor market along with £1.5m on improving facilities at Leigh Sports Village. Public buildings such as Leigh Town Hall and the Turnpike Centre could also come into contention.

A council spokesman told Place North West that further details on the application process would be revealed in the coming weeks.