Leigh is getting a £4 million windfall and residents are being asked how to spend it.
The Leader of Wigan Council, Lord Peter Smith, announced the news at last week’s Deal in Action event held at Leigh Turnpike Centre.
The money, which will come from the 2017/18 budget, has been earmarked specifically for Leigh.
Initial ideas include changes to Leigh Town Hall and the Turnpike Centre to improve public spaces and services for residents as well as improvements to local parks to help residents get active. But the leader is asking residents to tell him how they think the money should be spent.
Lord Peter Smith explained: “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 and I want to ensure it stays that way. 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.”
Wigan Council is already funding major improvements in the town centre with £900k to be invested in the regeneration of Bradshawgate and the outdoor market, and a further scheme to support small businesses set to launch this year. That’s on top of a recent £1.5 million investment to improve the soccer pitches at Leigh Sports Village and £775,000 to refurbish the gym and a £5,000 contribution to Leigh Carnival.
Details about how to submit ideas will be announced shortly.
