Borough Life Issue 35 Autumn 2011

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� First part of Wigan Borough's new leisure and publicservice centre is ready for business - see centre pages

New recycling initiative cuts waste and costs and helps protect the environment - see pages eight and nine

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Borough Life 1 8/9/11 16:16 Page 1

2 BOROUGH LIFE Autumn 2011

Meet the cabinet

WIGAN Council’s Cabinet is the mainpolicy and decision-making body for theauthority.

The Cabinet – also known as the‘Executive’ – is responsible for majordecisions concerning such things asspending, allocation of resources and thefuture direction of services provided bythe authority.

The Cabinet makes recommendationsto the council on the budget, the level ofCouncil Tax and major service policies,and has the power to decide any issuewhich falls within the overall policyframework once it is agreed by thecouncil. The work of the Cabinet is alsomonitored by the council’s scrutinycommittees.

Leader of Wigan Council Lord PeterSmith, who also chairs the Cabinet, said:“The Cabinet is a powerful decision-making body that acts on behalf of theresidents of the borough.

“It has a great many responsibilitiesand many of the decisions it takes canhave a direct impact on the lives ofresidents.

“Decisions taken by the Cabinet are inline with the council’s ambitions toimprove people’s lives and theopportunities open to them, as well asbringing jobs, investment and prosperityto our borough.

“Members of the Cabinet are alsoward councillors with a direct link tolocal communities across the borough.They listen to the views of residents andact accordingly. The council’s Cabinet isyour Cabinet.”

Wigan Council’s Cabinet is made up ofseven senior councillors who are alsoknown as ‘portfolio holders’, each with aspecific area of responsibility. Cabinetmembers are: ● Peter Smith – Leader of Wigan Counciland Chair of the Cabinet.Responsible for: Council strategy(including the budget); partnershipworking; and external relations at sub-regional, regional and national level.● David Molyneux – Portfolio Holder –Regeneration (and Deputy Leader of theCouncil)Responsible for: Planning,transportation, the borough’s futurehousing needs, infrastructure, economicdevelopment and the borough’s ‘green’agenda.

Making sure there is a diverse range ofhousing to meet the borough’s needs andtaking advantage of Wigan’s locationbetween the M6 and the M61 and theWest Coast Mainline.Increasing the borough’s educationalattainment and skills, along withrevitalising the borough’s town anddistrict centres. Working with public andprivate sector partners to secureinvestment and market Wigan in GreaterManchester and the region.● Kevin Anderson – Portfolio Holder –Environment and Communities.Responsible for: building up safercommunities with police and otherpartners and stronger communities insustainable and affordableneighbourhoods.The delivery of services for waste andrecycling, highways, environmentalprotection, environmental health andlicensing.The efficient functioning of theborough’s roads and tackling issues suchas congestion, community safety,cleansing and environmental health.

● Ged Bretherton – Portfolio Holder forEfficiency.Responsible for: efficiency across theauthority and in collaboration with otherauthorities.How the council serves its customers andfor providing ‘joined-up’ services.Council staff and links tocommunications and customers.● Keith Cunliffe – Portfolio Holder –Adults and Health.Responsible for: issues relating toimproving health and well-being in ourborough.Commissioning services to promoteindependence and keep people safewhen it is necessary and to help peopleto make informed choices about theirlives and the care they receive.Supporting older people and adults withdisabilities and their carers.● Susan Loudon – Portfolio Holder –Children and Young People’s Services.Responsible for: issues and servicesrelating to young people aged 0 to 19.Working with more than 140 schoolsacross the borough and supporting allyoung people.Supporting all children and youngpeople to achieve key outcomes ofbeing healthy, staying safe, enjoying andachieving, making a positivecontribution and achieving economicwell-being.● Chris Ready – Portfolio Holder –Communication and Customers Responsible for: Customer service andcommunications.Wigan Council’s image and reputation.Improving participation in leisure andcultural activity and representing thecouncil on the board of Wigan Leisureand Culture Trust.

Decision-makers shape

borough’s future

You can now ask the Cabinetquestions and receive an answerfrom the relevant member.Questions can be sent via WiganCouncil’s website.

The answer will be posted within10 days. It must be a question,rather than a comment or complaint(there are other mechanisms forthese).

If the Cabinet cannot answerwithin 10 days they will let youknow why. You can access thisservices at: www.wigan.gov.uk andsearch for ‘The Cabinet’.

Any questions?

Regenerationand DeputyLeader

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The

LeaderColumnBy Peter SmithLeader, Wigan Council

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This edition packed with news, plus...

COVER PICTURELifeguards SamRatchford, DanielLaithwaite, KayWhitehouse andAlex Meadowspictured at Wigan’snew swimming pool.

Autumn 2011

www.wigan.gov.uk

Borough Life is published by WiganCouncil and distributed to all households inthe borough. This edition was published on2 September 2011. Distribution should becomplete by 16 September 2011.

The magazine is printed on paper fromrenewable resources. It is written and editedby Wigan Council’s Media andCommunications team, designed bySmith Davis Press and printed by PCP.

If you have any comments or feedback –or if would like to write a letter forpublication – please contact:

The EditorBorough Life,FREEPOST NWW3502A,Wigan WN1 1XZ.Tel: 01942 827823 Email: [email protected]

If you are a resident of Wigan Boroughbut haven’t had a copy of Borough Lifedelivered through your letterbox, please letus know.

Copies of individual articles may beavailable in other languages on request.

Large print and audio versions can also beprovided. Please phone 01942 827823.

Green light for £6million youth centre 4

Vital support helps find new jobs 19

Centres ensure a great start in life 12

Borough in photos: then and now 22

BOROUGH LIFE Autumn 2011 3

IT’S BEEN 10 years in the making. A journey that began with adesire on behalf of the council and its partners to transform theface of public services in our borough and provide modern newfacilities for residents to enjoy.

This month, as Borough Life went to press the South Site of thenew Wigan Life Centre was about to throw its doors open to thepublic. It replaces the old Wigan International Pool and will be afocal point for the community, designed with your health andwellbeing in mind. In fact we’ve called it the Healthy Living Zone.

Two swimming pools, a gym, fitness studios…the list offacilities goes on. It is also the new home to a range of health-related services and advice.

At the project’s heart lies a partnership between the counciland private enterprise. The achievement is made even moreremarkable as we have seen this project through during some ofthe most difficult economic times we have faced.

It has created jobs and opportunities for local people and hasraised the profile of our borough on an international scale. Byprudent use of council assets and selling buildings that are nolonger required, we have built this new facility with no extraburden on council tax-payers.

But now it’s over to you… the Wigan Life Centre is forborough’s people and we hope you enjoy it.

We are now looking forward to the opening of the North Sitefeaturing a new library, One Stop Shop and community spaceearly next year. Have a look around the Wigan Life Centre onpages 16 and 17.

CUTTING costs and reducing waste. Two areas that everyone inour borough will undoubtedly have as priorities.

That is why the council is doing all we can to reduce theamount of waste we produce and the amount of money that’sspent on putting this waste into a big hole in the ground.

But we can’t do it alone. Cutting down on the amount of wastewe as a borough produce is something everyone can help with. Tohelp we have introduced a new waste collection service with aheavy emphasis on recycling.

The changes are explained in detail on pages 8 and 9 of thisedition. Put simply, if we can make it work we can avoid theburden of £14million worth of extra waste management costs tothe year 2020 and provide a cleaner, greener future forgenerations to come. Now that has got to be worth the effort.

FINALLY, congratulations go to both the Leigh Centurions and theWigan Warriors for their phenomenal recent successes. The WiganWarriors lifted the Rugby League Challenge Cup and LeighCenturions won the Northern Rail Cup. It’s great news as westrive to bring the Rugby League World Cup to the borough in2013. We now wish both teams all the best in the play-offs.

Building the future together


THE council has giventhe green light to a £6million youth zone for

children and young people,which will be the best of itskind in Europe… if not theworld.

A high-profile team isbehind the exciting newfacility that will soon betaking shape on spare land atMesnes Field in Wigan TownCentre.

Since 2008 Wigan Councilhas been investigating thepossibility of bringing ayouth club similar to theincredibly successful BoltonLads and Girls Club, toWigan. The move is beingspearheaded by local

businessmen Dave Whelan,Martin and Bill Ainscoughand regional charity OnSide.

The council’s Cabinet hasnow given the green-light tothe project and has providedthe land and will contributeto the annual running costs ofthe facility.

The centre – which had theworking title Wigan Lads andGirls Club – would providehigh quality sports, arts andrecreational facilities thatwould be available andaffordable to all youngstersaged 8 to 19. Under the plansthe centre would be openuntil 10pm every day of theweek and also provideoutreach services to otherareas of the borough.

Facilities are expected toinclude sport, music and artstudio, a climbing wall andall-weather sports pitches.

The partners have nowofficially launched the

project at a specialceremony at thesite, which meansthe constructionwork can begin.

It is hoped thatthe centre will be

open for business nextyear.

Leader of Wigan CouncilLord Peter Smith, says: “It isan exciting plan that wouldgive Wigan a world-classyouth facility. It is estimatedthat up to 3,000 young peoplewould use the centre eachweek so it would certainlygive a lot of childrensomething positive to do.

“It would not only help toprovide meaningful activitiesand developmentopportunities for childrenand young people but alsohelp reduce children’sinvolvement in anti socialbehaviour as a result.

“The young people ofWigan have asked for anddeserve a facility such as thisand we are delighted that wecan now see the plansprogress.”

Whilst business leaderMartin Ainscough added:“Our ambition is to open thisclub in one year’s time andwe have a lot of work to do inthat period but I amconfident that witheveryone’s support we willend up with a world-classyouth facility which willchange thousands of livesover the next one hundredyears.”

£6m youth centregiven green light

OUR VIEW:Members of the

Wigan town centreYouth Group are

shouting about theWigan Youth

Zone.

Youth ideaswill make itthe very bestMEET the young people backingWigan’s new youth zone…

This group represent youngpeople’s views in Wigan Boroughon the proposed new state of theart facility on Mesnes Field.

The Talk Listen Change Grouphas been working with charityOnSide to give their input intoplans for the facility that couldentertain up to 3,000 youngpeople each week.

Eighteen year old member ofthe group Lydia Naylor said: “Wehave been working with OnSidefor 18 months now and we metMartin Ainscough and the boardof the new facility some monthsago. We showed them theconsultation and research we hadbeen doing with young peoplearound what they wanted to seein the new club. They were reallyimpressed and asked us to stayinvolved.

“Young people will benefit somuch from the new centre andwe are so excited about seeing itgetting underway.”

Fellow group member, DanielGilmore, 17, said: “We are stillconsulting to try and make it thebest centre it can be and havebeen out in Wigan town centreasking the public their views.

“The centre is going to havesomething for everyone fromsport and dance to arts andmusic studios. It’s an excitingtime for the borough and a lot ofyoung people are really behind it.”

If you are a young person andwould like to give your views tothe Talk Listen Change Groupcontact Wigan Council’s YouthService on 01942 705947.

FUTURE FOR YOUTH:An impression of how thenew Youth Zone will look.Pictured at the site are: Wigan Council Chief Executive Joyce

Redfearn, Martin Ainscough, Leader of Wigan Council Lord PeterSmith, Richard Ainscough, Chair of the Young People’s Talk,Listen and Change Group Adrian Speakman and Dave Whelan.4 BOROUGH LIFE Autumn 2011



PUTTING people first is theethos behind a new councilteam that is aiming toimprove how the authoritydoes business by putting yourneeds at the heart ofeverything we do.

Citizen Support bringstogether council staff fromthe former Revenues,Benefits and CustomerService divisions to createone seamless service foreveryone.

“Local residents have toldus they want us to make iteasier and more convenientfor them to contact theircouncil,” explains CabinetMember for CustomerService, Councillor ChrisReady. “We have listened andacted. By having onededicated service we believewe will be able to deal withmore of our customers’ needsin one place at a time to suitthem. It is the kind ofmodern forward-thinkingservice that people rightlyexpect and we aim todeliver.”

The new team is currentlyworking on a major ITproject to overhaul out-datedtechnology and transfer threesystems worth of customerdata onto a single, unifiedsystem. This will deliverfaster benefit claimsprocessing for residents and

enable council partners suchas Registered SocialLandlords to send importantdata direct to the council tofurther decrease processingtimes.

Modernising the council’sbenefits systems is just oneof a series of customerservice improvementshappening at Wigan Council.

The opening of the WiganLife Centre (south site) inSeptember follows the sucessof the borough’s five ‘LocalLife Centres’, which arealready earning an amazing99 per cent customersatisfaction face-to-face and91 per cent over the phone.

When Wigan Life CentreNorth opens in January,following the closure of thecouncil’s remaining cashoffices, the modernisationprogramme will be complete.

“Alongside our publicservice contact centre,” addsCllr Ready, “The life centresare resolving a high level ofyour enquiries at the firstpoint of contact.

“Our aim is to deliver moreeffective and efficientservices to the people whodepend on us but alsocontinue to drive down costsand reduce the amount ofbureaucracy and red tapepeople are faced with.”

GET ready to enter TheGateway… it’s a new WiganCouncil initiative that willprovide help and support tochildren, young people andparents right in thecommunities in which theylive.

The aim is to link up arange of existing servicesfrom child and family welfareright through to careers toprovide one easy-to-usemodel to support families.

Each of five areas acrossthe borough will have aGateway team working acrosschildren and young peopleaged from 0 to 19.

The teams will be made upof workers from a range ofprofessional backgrounds,including social care andhealth.

The Gateway team can becontacted through Children’sCentres, schools, and otherwell-used local facilities.

Wigan Council CabinetMember for Children andYoung People, Cllr SusanLoudon, said: “Our aim is towork with children, youngpeople and parents to resolveproblems and difficulties theymay be facing. We want towork with local communitiesto ensure the service meetstheir needs

“The Gateway will providesupport to help children andyoung people achieve more,by reducing the barriers tolearning that some childrenface. We want children andyoung people to reach theirfull potential.

“The Gateway will work onissues such as attendance atschool, unemployment, drugand alcohol abuse andteenage pregnancy. It willalso help children and youngpeople to take part in positiveactivities and help them havea voice in their localcommunities. We will providefurther information as theteams are set up in localareas, and hope you will beable to see a difference.”● For updates keep visitingWigan Council’s website –www.wigan.gov.uk

Unlockingsupport forfamilies

Citizen support -at your service

YOUR WINNING TEAM: Cllr Chris Ready withthe new Citizen Support Service team.

For enquiriesabout Wigan

Council services visitwww.wigan.gov.ukor call the CustomerService helpline on

01942 828644.



Libraries Central: town centre libraries inWigan and Leigh will have the longestopening hours and the broadest range ofservices – open between 50 and 55 hoursper week.Libraries Local: located in smaller towncentres offering a range of book stock,information and activities. They will offer selfservice and access to computers. Many willbe co-located with other services or hostservices – open 35 to 40 hours per week.Libraries Express: located in urban areasand communities, offering core libraryservices such as books and computers andwill be self-service and run in partnershipwith the local community. They will open fora minimum of 18 hours per week.Libraries Direct: providing access to a

range of services available from home,including online reference, reservations,access to community information andebooks.

Under the proposals library services inBeech Hill will be reduced with a “drop offand pick up service” introduced.

The part-time volunteer-run Abram Librarywould be replaced with a “drop-off andpick-up” service. The Home Delivery Servicewill continue to provide a ‘direct to door’service for people with mobility issues thatprevent them from being able to visit theirlocal library.● For more information on WiganBorough’s Library Service visit WiganLeisure and Culture Trust’s website –www.wlct.org

The shape of things to come...

Public help writeNEW CHAPTERA TRIP to the library could soon be as easyand convenient as a visit to the localsupermarket.

New technology could allow readersto be ‘fully-booked’ online thanks topioneering plans to preserve theborough’s library service.

The council and Wigan Leisure andCulture Trust have been looking at howto save local library services in the faceof ever-increasing pressure to cut costsand put vital frontline services first. TheTrust needs to reduce the budget for librariesby £1.1m following government cuts.

After talking and listening to library users,they have come up with a plan that will notonly preserve the service but bring it bangup to date.

Under new proposals the majority oflibraries across Wigan Borough will remainopen. The Trust is planning some radical andexciting new innovations to make sure thishappens.

It is looking at the libraries sharing thesame space as other public services to cutdown on costs, and introducing self-serviceinto all libraries so visitors can use the ‘fastlane’ to check out books.

New technology will be used to providebooks in the formats that people most wantthem... including an online service with accessto books 24 hours a day and introducingincreasingly popular ebooks.

Wigan Council’s Cabinet Member forLeisure and Culture, Cllr Chris Ready,explains: “The concept for the new model hasbeen developed in response to key information

such as local demand, lifestyle needs and costeffectiveness.

“We know people feel passionately abouttheir libraries and the council and the Trusthave listened to library users and provided asolution that we think they will like.”

for library service

A mix ofhi-tech and

tradition willmake libraries

even moreaccessible.

NEWSROUND■ ■ ■ ■

THE winners of last edition’s HaighMusic Festival competition wereAdam Southern of Platt Bridge, whowent to see top indie band TheCourteeners and AdelleWinterbottom of Swinley, who tookson Adam, aged seven, to see PeterAndre.

Both winners were the first outof the hat with the correct answerto the question: who first played asell-out concert at Haigh Hall in1998? The answer was – The Verve.

ENGINEERS are replacing thebridge on the A579 north ofAtherton.

A routine inspection showedthat the Bolton Road bridge wassuffering wear and stress to itsgirders and had a limitedcapacity of three tonnes.

Two of its three spans mustbe completely replaced andconcrete beams added.

The work means the road willbe closed to traffic from 13thSeptember to 3rd December.

WIGAN Borough is celebrating‘Older People’s Day’ on 1 October.In the week running up to the OlderPeople's day, a series of five freeinformation events for older peoplewill be held across the borough.

Anyone living in the localcommunity is also welcome tocome along.

The events programme for theweek is: Monday 26 September –Clarington Place, Ince; Tuesday 27September – Cherry Tree Court,Standish; Wednesday 28 September– The Rowans, Mosley Common;Thursday 29 September – LeighCourt, Golborne; Friday 30September – Elliot Gardens, WorsleyMesnes.

Events will run from 10am-2pmeach day. To find out more aboutOlder People’s Day visitwww.fulloflife.direct.gov.uk

Competition winner AdamSouthern enjoys TheCourteeners at the HaighMusic Festival.

Borough Life 6-7 9/9/11 11:44 Page 1


YOUR first step on the housing ladder couldbe FirstBuy.

That’s the message from housing chiefs atWigan Council who are urging first-timebuyers to make the most a new government-backed equity loan scheme, called FirstBuy.

FirstBuy offers eligible buyers a 20 per centequity loan, jointly funded by the Homes andCommunities Agency (HCA) and the house-builders. The buyer needs to find just the fiveper cent deposit upfront.

Successful developments in Wigan Borough,which could be eligible for FirstBuy supportare: Barratt’s Charles Street (Tyldesley) andPennington Park (Leigh), Dorbcrest HomesHaigh Road (Aspull), Morris Homes

Worthington Park (Standish), Redrow’s StOakwood Grange (Wigan) and PersimmonHomes Bluebell Wood (Winstanley).

Wigan Council’s Cabinet Member forthe Environment, Cllr Kevin Anderson,said: “This is good news for first timebuyers and good news for our borough.It is anticipated that this will beextremely popular so I would urgeanyone who may be interested to findout more and sign up to the scheme.”● The FirstBuy scheme is being organised byaffordable homes specialist Plumlife. You canfind out more about it and other affordablehomes schemes by visiting the website:www.plumlife.co.uk or calling 0161 447 5050.

Quality parks fly the flagMORE of the borough’s

parks have beenawarded prestigious

Green Flag status... a mark oftop quality for visitors.

Alexandra Park, Newtown,Pennington Hall Park, Leighand Jubilee Park, Ashton,have all been awarded theaccolade, showing they arewell-maintained andmanaged, with excellentfacilities.

Sharon Saunders, Parks andCountryside ActivitiesManager for Wigan Leisureand Culture Trust, said:“We’re delighted these parkshave once again beenrecognised in the Green Flagawards.

“A tremendous amount ofeffort goes into maintainingour parks and we could notdo this without the support of

local communities andelected members.

“All of our parks areenormously valuable to thecommunities they serve andwe would always encouragepeople to not only enjoy thembut to take pride in them.”

Residents involved intransforming Colliers Corner

in Atherton from a pollutedovergrown stream into agreen oasis were alsorecognised for their hardwork and received aCommunity Award.

Phil Barton, Green FlagPlus Partnership chairman,said: “The Green Flag AwardScheme, and its growth, is

essential in driving up thestandards of our parks andgreen spaces. Access toquality green space issomething we all desire andthe scheme plays a key rolein providing it.

“In these challengingfinancial times itis hearteningthat thenumberofGreenFlagAwardscontinueto grow.As the valueof green spaceand the role it plays in ourcommunities strengthens, wemust ensure these highstandards remain.”

For moreinformation on parksand green spaces inWigan Borough visitWigan Leisure and

Culture Trust’s website:www.wlct.org

Loan scheme backs buyers

FLAG DAY: Communitiescelebrate 'green' success at

Ashton's Jubilee Park andCollier's Corner, Howe Bridge.

FLAG DAY: Communitiescelebrate 'green' success at

Ashton's Jubilee Park andColliers Corner, Howe Bridge.

MOVING IN:Just one familybenefiting from

the FirstBuyscheme.



NEWSROUND■ ■ ■ ■

THERE’S detailed information aboutthe food hygiene at restaurants,cafes and supermarkets available.Look out for bright green and blackfood hygiene stickers showing arating from zero to five. Access thenational database athttp://ratings.food.gov.uk and seethe whole of Greater Manchester,as well as an increasing number ofother authorities across Englandand Wales.

A NEW debt advice leaflet isavailable from libraries andcouncil buildings. Debts againstthe council can have seriousconsequences such asimprisonment for Council Taxevasion or eviction for rentarrears. But people can accessthe Valuation Tribunal if theybelieve the council has actedincorrectly on a Council Taxbilling matter and the AppealTribunal can be consulted fordecisions on Housing Benefitclaims. Officers are anxious thatpeople in debt with Council Taxand rent speak directly to themrather than approaching loansharks or other agencies.

FORMER borough mayors CllrEunice Smethurst, a ward memberfor Abram, and Cllr Mark Aldred,member in Atherleigh, have beenappointed to senior positions onthe Transport for GreaterManchester committee, which ownsthe region's bus stops and stationsand pays for essential bus servicesin the region.

WORLD number two GreatBritain won gold at theinternational BocciaChampionships at Robin Parkthis summer. The version ofBoules for people withdisabilities is a major sport andWigan has become a centre forthe annual championships. BrianAllen of Boccia England said:“This was the biggest BocciaChampionships we have held sofar with 14 countries and 95wheelchair athletes competing,it was a tremendous success.”

FRED Chisnall, on duty on LiverpoolRoad in Hindley, became theborough's Lollipop Idol 2011 afterthe popular St Peter’s CE Primarypatrol was voted tops by pupils.Fred was nominated by 8 year oldChloe Langton.

WIGAN Council hasincreased kerbsidecollections massively

in recent years, offeringfortnightly collections forgarden waste and for cans,glass and plastic recyclables.The enthusiasm and supportof many local residents meanswe are now recycling morethan ever before.

But with landfill costsescalating, space running outand other areas now recyclingas much as 70% of theirwaste, Wigan Borough mustmove fast to improve on itscurrent rate of 36% and hitits target of 50% by 2020.

Under the newarrangements:● householders will be askedto separate out theirrecyclable and food wastefrom their rubbish. Black binswill be emptied one week,and food and garden wastethe next, from all properties,all year round.● green bins will be collectedfortnightly all year roundrather than a break forwinter, and take green wasteand food waste. Householdswith green bins will be givenplastic caddies andcompostable caddy liners toput their food waste in beforeputting it in the green bin.● households without greenbins will be given the samekitchen caddy and liners asgreen bin households, plus alarger outdoor caddy to puttheir food waste out forcollection. Theseproperties would havetheir collections usingthe same crew andvehicles as those withgreen bins, withcollections every otherweek.● the brown bin service

will continue as present.“We’re striving to find the

balance between meetinghouseholders’ needs,improving recyclingperformance and providingvalue for money,” explainedCouncillor Kevin Anderson,Cabinet member forEnvironment andCommunities.

“It’s much cheaper torecycle and treat waste thanto send it to landfill, andadopting modern practiceswill avoid further costs of upto £14 million by 2020.

“Sending less waste tolandfill means fewer problemsdown the line for ourchildren, natural habitatsprotected not polluted, fewergreenhouse gases and evenmore waste recycled into newproducts. Finally, there will bemore choice for residents andgreater recycling

opportunities for everybody,yet still only four bins. Spacewill be an issue for somehouseholds, so we’ll beoffering a choice of smallerbins and paper sacks as well.”

The council understandssome residents may benervous about the prospect ofa fortnightly food wastecollection.

Householders will thereforehave the option of puttingtheir food waste into theirblack bin on the week thattheir green bin isn’t beingemptied. This would meantheir food waste could still becollected every week.

However, disposing of foodwaste through the black binmeans costly landfill and thecouncil will be urgingresidents to put all their foodwaste in their green bin/foodcaddy to save money andreduce greenhouse gases.

Save money bysaving the planet

Collectionarrangements fromSeptember 2012:

Black bins – emptiedfortnightly.

Green bins (including foodwaste) – emptied fortnightly.

Brown bins – emptiedfortnightly.

Blue bin (or paper sack) – every four

weeks.

Major changes to refuse collection andrecycling services are on the way... Services are being re-shaped to ensure that weekly kerbside collections canbe maintained and recycling rates improved at a time when the council isbeing forced to make cuts of £66 million over the next four years. Fromautumn 2012, Wigan Council will follow the lead already taken by many localauthorities and introduce ‘managed’ weekly collections. Borough Life exploreswhat this means for the borough’s 140,000 householders…



FOOD waste iscurrently about 20 percent of what is left inthe black bin.If food is disposed ofin landfill sites itreleases harmfulgreenhouses gases

including methane andcontributes to climate change.

By collecting food waste separatelyfor recycling we can reduce theamount of waste sent to landfilland the amount of greenhouse gasreleased, as well as reducing wastedisposal costs and landfill tax.

Under the new arrangements,approximately 4,050 tonnes of

food waste will be divertedaway from landfill and at thesame time save the councilaround £144,000 per year in

disposal costs.The combined food and

garden waste will be sent toregional waste disposal facilities,where it will be composted indoorsto create quality compost. Thecompost will be suitable for use onagricultural land.

Properly managed fortnightlycollections pose no health risk.Experience from other localauthorities indicates that vermin orrisks to health do not increaseas a result of properlymanaged changes.

EVERY tonne of waste that goes tolandfill costs the council at least £56in tax.

This tax is scheduled to rise by £8a tonne up to 2014/15 when it willbe £80 per tonne. This escalatingcost is on top of the cost ofcollecting and disposing of thewaste.

The amount of rubbish collectedfrom residents’ black bins has fallenby a third since 2002, while theamount recycled has increased fromjust 2% to 36%.

The blue bin service now beingrolled out will allow the council torecycle approximately 5,000 tonnesmore and at the same time save£373,000 per year by 2012/13.

Fortnightly black bin collectionwill save the council approximately£397,000 per year.

Did youknow?

THEBELLS OFHINDLEY:

Edna, Margaretand Maureen

sing theblues.

Meet the Hindley

Bluebells!MEET the Hindley Bluebells – lively

ladies who have come together tosing the praises of the humblerecycling bin.

Edna, Margaret and Maureen aremaking a real song and dance abouttheir cause. The energetic trio haverecorded songs and music videos aboutall things recycling.

The Bluebells were brought togetherby their manager Helen Pye who wrotethe songs and worked with the ladiesto record them at her studio, PyeStudios in Market Place, Hindley.

It all started with a grant fromWigan Leisure and Culture Trust tofund an art project, and Helen chosethe recycling theme.

Helen said: “It’s great to be workingwith the Hindley Bluebells! They’redoing an amazing job spreading theirgreen message and clearly enjoygetting on stage and singing theirhearts out!”

The group has been working withthe council’s waste management teamfor a couple of years – and they wereespecially taken by proposals byofficers to offer an improved papercollection service.

The blue bins, now being rolled outacross the borough, enable soup anddrinks cartons as well as cardboard tobe easily recycled. They are beingoffered as an alternative to the (paperonly) white sack if people prefer.

Deputy Council Leader Cllr DavidMolyneux knows members of thegroup. He says: “Community groupslike the Hindley Bluebells do excellentand valuable work. The ladies are of ageneration where make-do-and-mendand recycling were the norm, and eventhough today we have much betterfacilities to help the public reuse andrecycle the things they buy, we’ve gota lot to learn from their example.”

Food waste... no risks

WATCH THE LADIES ON




THE bicycle… the train… the car,bus and on foot… It was a race tothe finish, but who won?

As part of Wigan Council’s ongoingconsultation exercise on the future oftransport in our borough, travel chiefsthrew down the gauntlet to differenttypes of commuters to get to WiganTown Hall first.

Starting out from the same point atHighfield, the five intrepid travellers setforth in a bid to find the mostconvenient, cheapest, and healthiest wayto get from A to B. In this instance,pedal power prevailed!

Wigan Council’s Deputy Leader andCabinet Champion for the Economy, CllrDavid Molyneux, says: “It looks like fora short commute of a couple of milesthere are clear benefits to choosing

cycling – especially when you take intoaccount financial, environmental andhealth factors.

“We all know and agree thatWigan Borough needs atransport network thatcan meet thechallenges of agrowing economyand the increasingdemand for travel –but it must be onethat does notcompromise ourhealth andenvironment.”

As part of theconsultation, the council areasking borough residents to have theirsay on the transport challenges we’ll

face in the future and how we shouldapproach them. What do you like aboutthe borough’s transport? What do youfeel could be improved?

The consultation closes on Monday 10October. The feedback we receive

will directly feed into the borough'semerging Transport Strategy, andwill help paint an overall pictureof what local communities needand want – enabling us toprioritise actions and influencedecisions to develop a better

transport system.Have your say now at

www.wigan.gov.uk/onthemove Viewthe consultation documents and

complete our online questionnaire. Youcan also have your say by email. Drop usa line at [email protected]

NORTH West in Bloom judgesvisited the borough to see thebest Wigan and its residents haveto offer.

Last year Wigan picked up alucky 13 awards from theregional competition and we’rehoping for similar success thisyear. And whilst the results arenot officially released until lateOctober, initial comments fromthe judges were very positive.

To celebrate this year’sachievements, residents from allacross our borough who havebeen directly involved withWigan Borough in Bloom will beinvited along to the annual ‘Big

Thank You’ evening at WiganTown Hall.

And for the very first time, weare introducing a series of specialawards aimed at outstandingenvironmental achievementsmade by our residents, and wewant the nominations for theseto come from you. Thecategories this year areBest School Grounds -Primary and HighSchool; Best LocalCommunity Project,Garden orAllotment and BestBlooming Businessor Public House.

Blooming marvellous...WHAT THE JUDGES SAW: From Howe Bridge to

Wigan and from Pennington to Hindley theborough was blooming this summer.

RUNNERS AND RIDERS: Deputy Leader Cllr DavidMolyneux and Transport Strategy Manager EmmaBarton welcome the commuter challenge champsback to Wigan Town Hall.

On the moveDrop-in sessions:Sainsburys in Leigh

Friday 30 September3.30 - 6.30pm and

Sainsbury's in Wigan onFriday 7 Octoberbetween 3.30pm

and 6.30pm

For more detailson how you can

nominate schemes forthe awards, please visitwww.wiganboroughinbloom. co.uk, call

01942 489325 or emailinbloom@wigan.

gov.uk

WHAT THE JUDGES SAW: From Howe Bridge toWigan and from Pennington to Hindley the

borough was blooming this summer.



Sure Start past, present and futureJAZMIN Smith is a big fan of

Sure Start! She’s a happy andconfident three year old who is

bursting with life when she’s takingpart in the activities at nearbyWestfield Children’s Centre.

One minute she can be drawing apicture or trying out her readingskills, the next she’s keeping fit andactive, headlong, full pelt into theball pool.

In the two years since she andmum Sara have been going toWestfield they’ve pretty much beeninvolved in every activity there is.From creative play to cooking fun,days out to just meeting new peopleand making friends…you name it.

Mum Sara, 22, has even had thechance to keep her CV updated bylearning new skills in first-aid, foodhygiene and how to do well ininterviews.

She’s about to become avolunteer helper at the centre onMontrose Avenue, Norley Hall, andone day soon hopes to go on tocollege to train to become ateaching assistant.

It’s a picture of an outgoing mumand daughter that is a starkcontrast to a few short years agowhen Sara admits that she lackeddirection, purpose and by her ownadmission, had few prospects inlife.

“I’ve always had my familyaround me,” says single mum Sara.“But I didn’t really leave the houseother than to go to the shops and Iwas feeling isolated. I didn’t reallyhave much confidence and wouldnever of dreamed of doing half thethings I do now.”

After first hearing about theservices on offer at Sure Start, Saramade a tentative first visit to thetoddlers’ group with Jazmin andfrom then, there’s beenno looking back!

Sara in particular has found apassion for cookery, or to be morespecific baking, through her timewith Sure Start and she’s alwayswilling to keep any celebration atthe centre well-stocked withhomemade cakes!

Lisa Middlehurst, from WestfieldChildren’s Centre, started off as avolunteer and is now employed asthe Children’s Centre Co-ordinator.She says Sara’s transformation istypical.

“We opened in 2006 and we havebeen providing a service that thelocal community really needs,” saysLisa. “It is all about helping parentsto give children the best start in lifebut it’s also about including thewhole family. “We are helpingpeople to become better parents soin turn their children will reap thebenefits and become better people.There’s always more to do and weare trying to reach out to even moreparents in the areabut I think it’sfair to say thatSure Startreally is at theheart of thecommunity.”

Golden Years

For moreinformation on

Sure Start in Wiganor to find your nearest

centre go towww.wigan.gov.uk

and search for‘Sure Start’

LIFE'S A BALL:Three year old JazminSmith is making the mostof Westfield Sure StartChildren's Centre withmum Sara (right) andChildren'sCo-ordinator LisaMiddlehurst.

WIGAN Borough currently has 20 Sure StartChildren’s Centres.

Now Wigan Council wants to make the servicesoffered by the centres even better by making surethey are really meeting the community’s needs.

Wigan Council’s Cabinet Member for Childrenand Young People, Cllr Susan Loudon, said: “Theborough is facing difficult times and has lots ofpressures on its budgets but we have given acommitment to protect children’s centres againstthe cuts. In order to do this we need to knowwhat the people who use them actually think ofthem.

“We want to know which centre you use orhave used; what services you have used; what youthought of them and how the Sure Start Children’sCentre has helped to change your life.”

The Wigan Sure Start Children’s CentreQuestionnaire can be filled in online at:www.wigan.gov.uk/Consultations/CYPSChildrens-Centres Sure Start members can use the computerfacilities at their local children’s centre to fill theform in. For more information on Sure Start inWigan, call 01942 206205 or to findyour nearest centre go towww.wigan.gov.ukand search for‘Sure Start’

A family service

LIFE'S A BALL:Three year old JazminSmith is making the mostof Westfield Sure StartChildren's Centre withmum Sara (right) andChildren'sCo-ordinator LisaMiddlehurst.



MEET the first ladies of Rugby League.These Leigh locals like nothing morethan scrumming down and getting togrips with a game that is traditionallyseen as an all-male affair.

And they want nothing more than tosee the Rugby League World Cup cometo Wigan Borough in 2013.

Since 2007 Leigh Miners RangersARLFC has been amongst the first inthe borough to have a girls’ section –with individual teams for the under 12sunder 14s and under 16s.

Last year the Twist Lane-based clubswelled its ranks even further by addinga Women’s Senior Team. And with an 18-strong pack of dedicated players from allwalks of life, they’re hoping for bigthings in the future.

Coach Stephanie Atherton, 26, is apassionate fan of the game – so much sothat she admits to being an ardent fan ofthe Leigh Centurions AND the WiganWarriors.

“I first became interested in the gamethrough going to watch the Centurionswith my dad,” said Stephanie.

“But it was only when I was about 19at university that I really startedplaying.

“When I returned home I approachedthe club to see if we could start a girls’section and they said yes straight away.A few years later I thought it would beinteresting to see if there were anywomen who wanted to form a team so Iput out the call and I was amazed at howmany people responded.

“Now we have completed our first

season, which is an amazingachievement in itself.”

The team play real rugby…full on, fullcontact…and they’ve got the bumps,bruises and scrapes to prove it. But asStephanie said it is as much aboutmaking new friends and learning theteam ethos as it is about the physicalaspects of the game.

“There’s a great social side to it andit’s a brilliant way to keep fit,” she said.“The gym isn’t for everyone and thisgets you out in the open air.”

Stephanie and the team have bigplans for the coming season, whether itbe against hometown rivals Leigh East

or nearby St Pat’s or teams further afieldin Chorley, Warrington and Yorkshire,they are in it to win it.

And the girlsbelieve nothing willgive their gamemore of a boostthan the RugbyLeague WorldCup coming tothe borough in2013.

The counciland its partnershave submitted abid to the RugbyFootball League for thetournament to come to Wigan, Leigh andother towns across Greater Manchester.

“We’re backing the bid!” saidStephanie. “It will raise the profile ofthe game and of our borough as part ofRugby League’s heartland.”

Leader of Wigan Council Lord PeterSmith said: “It’s really important to usthat the grass roots clubs and players arebehind our bid to host the world cup.Part of the bid process will be to createa legacy for the game in our boroughthat will continue to encourage localteams.

“Teams like Leigh Miners Rangers arethe life-blood of the game in ourborough and we must do everything wecan to support them.

“It shows the love of this great game issomething we all share which is why theRugby League World Cup 2013 belongsin Wigan Borough.”

Find out moreabout Leigh Miners

Rangers Women andGirl’s Sections by contacting

Stephanie Atherton on07878 285072 or

Mark Jones on07724 227020

For more information on how to support Wigan Borough’s Back The Bid campaign visit Wigan Council’s website –www.wigan.gov.uk and click on ‘Rugby World Cup Bid’ or ‘like’ our Facebook page – www.facebook.com/backthebid2013

Women back the bid



“IT SOUNDS crazy now but when thewashing machine packed in, it felt likethe final straw,” said Shirley*.

The single mum of three had beenmade redundant from her job in retail 12months earlier.

She was alone, on benefits, sufferingwith depression, and struggling to bringup a young family.

Christmas was around the corner andshe couldn’t bear the idea of her kids

waking up to no presents.“I was desperate. I couldn’t get credit

so when I heard about this bloke on theother side of the estate who offeredloans, I felt I didn’t have much choice.

“The bloke who came round seemedreally friendly. In fact, he made me feellike he was doing me a favour. Within thehour I had £500 cash in my hand andthought my troubles were over.”

Sadly, this was far from the truth. Tobegin with, Shirley managed to keep upwith the payments but as soon as she fellbehind, the loan shark was back.

“At first he said he wanted to help, andleft me some more money. He alsomentioned ‘extras’ like late payment feesbut told me not to worry, he’d just addthem on at the end.

“I knew he was drawing me in tighterbut I had no way out and meantime thedebt was spiralling out of control.”

Shirley had no paperwork, andwhenever she asked how much she owed,what the interest rate was or how longshe’d be paying it back, the man wasvague and evasive.

But there was no ambiguity when a fewmonths later he told Shirley she owedmore than £3,000 and would have to finda way of repaying it ‘in kind’ if shecouldn’t keep up with the payments.

It was being threatened with theprospect of prostituting herself that madeJulia seek urgent help.

Thanks to the support she received,Shirley’s debt has been written off andshe no longer lives in fear. And the loanshark is serving a sentence behind bars.

OverpaymentsWhilst there is no such thing as a

typical loan shark or typical victim,Shirley’s case is characteristic of manyhorror stories that have made theheadlines over the past few years.

“It’s not unusual to learn of loan sharkscharging the equivalent of a crippling700,000% interest rate,” says Wigan ChiefTrading Standards Officer JulieMiddlehurst. The local team works withthe Trading Standards England IllegalMoney Lending Team national task forceto investigate claims of illegal moneylending and prosecute loan sharks.

“We have heard horror stories of avictim who borrowed £500 from a‘friendly’ neighbour to buy Christmaspresents, only to hand over a staggering£88,000 during a seven year ordeal whichleft the family penniless,” Julie said.

Unlicensed money-lending is notillegal: It is illegal for anyone tooperate a money-lending business ifthey don’t have a licence from theOffice of Fair Trading.I can’t report them because it’sagainst the law. I could get intotrouble: It's the loan shark who isbreaking the law – not the personwho has borrowed the money. Youhave done nothing wrong. I’ve been threatened so I’m toofrightened to report him: You can askfor help in total confidence. TheIllegal Money Lending Team inEngland has supported more than16,000 victims so far. You have to pay back what the loanshark says you owe: Any loan madeby someone without a licence is‘unenforceable’ – this means in mostcases you cannot legally be made topay it back. These loan sharks can’t be stopped:Yes they can. The Illegal MoneyLending Team has stopped many loansharks across the country – and putthem behind bars. Almost 113 yearsworth of prison sentences have beensecured so far by the team.Illegal money-lending is a victimlesscrime: As well as intimidating victims,whole communities can be affected ifborrowers are forced to turn to crimeto pay back out of control loans. Loansharks are also often involved in othercrime.Loan sharks are providing areasonably priced service to people:A loan from a loan shark is, onaverage, three times the cost of thesame loan from someone operatinglegally. A violent loan shark inScotland was jailed for 18 monthsearlier this year after charginginterest rates of 719,000%.

Biting back atTHE SHARKS

Myth Busters!

“There’s big money in illegal moneylending, but these criminals need toknow that we are committed toidentifying them and removing themfrom communities.”

Cllr Kevin Anderson, cabinetchampion for communities and theenvironment said:

“In tough economic times, legallending to high risk clients dries up,unwary borrowers could unwittinglybecome the victim of a loan shark.

“We urge people not to become a

Where youcould find helpIf you can’t get credit from the highstreet there are other options, including:Credit Unions: Credit Unions are mutualfinancial organisations which are ownedand run by their members for theirmembers. Once you've established arecord as a reliable saver they will alsolend you money but only what theyknow you can afford to repay.Welcome Credit Union: Wigan MarketHall, New Market Street, Wigan,WN1 1PX, tel: 01942 [email protected] www.welcomecreditunion.co.uk



WHILST pricey designerlabels are a must-have formost teenagers, there’sone label that’s best toavoid at all costs.

The ASBO – or to give itits full name, Anti-SocialBehaviour Order – may beconsidered a badge of dis-honour by a smallminority, but if you getone, the consequencescould be far-reaching.

So community safetypartners in Wigan Boroughhave come up with anartful way of encouragingyoung people to weigh upthe options and draw theirown conclusions.

Officers from bothWigan Council’s YouthOffending andNeighbourhood Teamshave launched a hard-hitting poster campaignwhich aims to encourageyoung people to considerhow getting an ASBOcould impact on theirfuture.

And they’ve enlisted thehelp of some youngpeople who havepreviously been involvedwith ASB, putting theircreative talents to gooduse.

Under the tutelage ofHindley-based Pye Studios,budding designers, JoshuaDarbyshire and LauraBromilow, recentlyhelped design aseries of thought-provoking postersand fliers will thetag-line: If labelsmatter, chooseyours carefully.

And the creativepair recently joinedCllr KevinAnderson, cabinetchampion forcommunities andthe environment,to see the postersroll hot off thepress.

“The campaignis aimed at youngpeople and itdoesn’t pull anypunches,” says

Cllr Anderson. “It spellsout the potentialconsequences of gettingan ASBO, which includes acriminal record if one isbreached. Given that morethan half are breached atleast once, and 40% arebreached more than once,this is a particularlysobering thought.”

Laura says: “Only aminority of young peopleget caught up in anti-social behaviour but thosethat do are responsible formaking people feelharassed, alarmed anddistressed which isn’t fair.If it was our nan gettingintimidated or ouryounger brother gettingbullied, we wouldn’t likeit.

“So, I hope thiscampaign gets youngpeople to think about theimpact of their behaviourand also remind thecommunity that it’s only aminority of young peoplewho cause problems.”

Josh adds: “The postersget young people to thinkabout the effects of takingdrugs, like messing upyour head, making youskint or ruining yourrelationships. I hope itmakes young people thinktwice.”

Posters send outASBO warnings

victim oftheseruthlessindividuals.If you areconcernedlook out forthe tell-talesigns that thelender isoperating illegallyand seek advice aboutalternative borrowing.”

Unify Credit Union:3 Smithy Green, Higher Ince,Wigan, WN2 2AT,tel: 01942 701706 or 12 MarketStreet, Leigh, WN7 1DS,tel: 01942 607002 [email protected],www.unifycu.orgOverdrafts:Overdraftsare like a'safety net'on yourcurrentaccount.They allowyou toborrow upto a certainlimit when

there's no money in youraccount and can be useful tocover short term cashflowproblems. Whilst more flexiblethan taking out a loan, theinterest rate is generallyhigher.Talk to your Citizens Advice

Bureau: They provide free,impartial help with debts

and will even contactthe Illegal MoneyLending Team on yourbehalf. CAB will alsocheck if you aregetting all the

benefits and creditsyou are entitled to and

help you apply if youaren’t.

Whilst there is no suchthing as a ‘typical lender’, thereare some tell-tale warning signs

which should tip you off:Illegal lenders give you little

or no paperwork and often refuse to tellyou how much you still owe or whatinterest rates you are being charged.

They charge extortionate interest rates andadd random charges to the loan or continue

to increase the amount without notice. They may also take items such as

passports or benefit cards as ‘security’. Many loan sharks will use

violence of threat whenrepayments are missed.

For moreadvice, go to

www.wigancab.orgor contact National

Debtline on0800 808 4000 or at

www.nationaldebtline.co.uk

If you think a loan shark may be operatingin your area call the confidential hotline

on 0300 555 2222. You can also text ‘loanshark’ + your message’ to 60003 or [email protected]

For more information go towww.direct.gov.uk/stoploansharks

*Not herreal name


16 BOROUGH LIFE Autumn 2011 BOROUGH LIFE Autumn 2011 17

SWEATING hard, the manjogging on what used to becalled a “treadmill” reachesout to tap the crystal clearmonitor in front of him.

He’s just finished “tweeting”his friends during an intenseworkout but casually flicks towatch the BBC news bulletin.Cheeks blowing hard heexhales and with another “taptap” is browsing on eBay.

For those of us who haven’tbeen in a gym since JaneFonda was last on TV it looksmore like a scene from thedeck of the Starship Enterprise.

But this is the new ProfilesHealth and Fitness centre atthe Wigan Life Centre and it isa couple of light years awayfrom what most people wouldexpect a public gym to be.

“This Technogym equipmentis state-of-the-art. It’s the verybest and that’s just what the

people of Wigan deserve,” saidMike Lyons, WLCT’s head ofservice for Sport and Leisure.

“We have created a firstclass Health and Fitness centrethat stands up to anything inthe private sector but at acheaper cost,” he added.

Visitors can plug their iPodinto each cardio vascularstation, so they can watch afilm, listen to music orinteract on social media. Acomputer tracks the workoutand even sets goals, acting as ahi-tech personal trainer.

Logging on to a computer athome enables them to see how

good – or poor – a workout hasbeen.

Since this type of equipmentwas installed at Robin ParkIndoor Sports Centre earlierthis year memberships haverocketed by 62 per cent.

The Profiles health andfitness centre based in the newWigan Life Centre on LibraryStreet also includes a steamand sauna room, fitnessstudios, gold standard disabledfacilities, learners pool and ofcourse the new 25 x 21 metrepool – complete with a movingfloor which allows the depth tobe adjusted – right at its heart.

Science fiction legendArthur C.Clarke once wrotethat “any sufficientlyadvanced technology isindistinguishable from magic”– which rather aptly sums upWigan’s new publicfacilities…..just magic!

WITH the South Site ready for action, work is continuingto progress on the North Site of this landmark project.

This site will include a One Stop Shop for all publicservices in the borough, a Neighbourhood Zone, amodern new library and information services.

The centre will bring together a whole of servicesoffered by the council and its partners includingbenefits advice and claims, housing and homelessnessservices, voluntary and community sector space, adult,and children’s services. It is anticipated that the NorthSite will open in early 2012.

Life Centre – what next?

WIGAN Borough’s newHealthy Living Zone is readyfor business.

The complex, which formsone part of the new WiganLife Centre, represents thefirst milestone in thecouncil’s decade-long plan totransform the face of publicservices in our borough.

The impressive newbuilding has been createdusing a mammoth 4,000tonnes of concrete and 1,800tonnes of structuralsteelwork and a lot of hardwork and dedication.

It’s a multi-million poundproject made possible thanksto a partnership betweenthe council and other publicsector services, private sectorfinance and constructioncompany Morgan Sindall.

Wigan Council CabinetMembers Cllr Chris Ready(Leisure and Culture), CllrSusan Loudon (Children andYoung People) and Cllr GedBretherton (Efficiency) wereamong the first people toview the new facilities.

Cllr Ready said: “We nowhave a public service andleisure complex with modernnew facilities that theresidents of our boroughdeserve. It will help to bringpublic services and peoplecloser and we believe it willhelp to change lives.

“In fact it’s already startedbecause more than 100people have already foundwork on the project andmany of the companiesproviding raw materials andservices to the centre arefrom our borough.”

Borough Life took a first lookat what’s on offer at the LifeCentre’s state-of-art Profilesgym and found the facilitiesare straight from the pagesof a science fiction novel.

Construction sequence that brought new centre to Life

Demolition of the old baths and site clearance led to huge cranes and stunning images of Wigan’s changing skyline.

RISING from the ground on the siteof the former Wigan InternationalPool our borough now has a brand

new swimming complex that’s justwaiting for everyone to dive in.

The Life Centre boasts two brand newswimming pools and some state-of-the-art new facilities that make themaccessible to all.

The main pool measures 25m by 21mand will cater for competent swimmers.This pool also has a moving floor whichmeans the depth can be altered to offera greater range of activities. There isalso a smaller (13m by 7.5m) pooldesigned with children and learnerswimmers in mind.

Denise Grundy, who manages the

complex, says there’s all sort ofactivities already planned for new pools,from straightforward swimming to scubadiving!

Denise said: “Many of theclubs that were displacedwhen the old poolclosed, such as theWigan Wasps arecoming back and newclubs such as theWigan Triathlon Clubare moving and we’rebusy allocating pooltime to them all.Whatever activities willbe going on we’ll alwaysmake sure there is always

plenty of space for people to swim fortheir own enjoyment.”

The complex has some of the bestchanging facilities around

including two nationalstandard ‘Changing Places’

with height-adjustablechanging benches,showers, toilets,washbasins and hoists.

With the centreopening just before7am each morning forearly risers and going

right through until 9pmat night, there’s plenty of

time for everyone to get inand get active!

Like a phoenix from the flames, top of the league publiccentre rises from former pool site

The storyof our Life

To find out moreabout all the services

at the Healthy Living Zoneand how to sign-up to become

a Profiles Member, visit WiganLeisure and Culture Trust’s

website: www.wlct.org or callthe Profiles team at theWigan Life Centre on:

01942 489611

Wigan Council Cabinet members Chris Ready,Susan Loudon and Ged Bretherton at the newpool with lifeguards Rebecca Kettings, Natalie

Ashurst, Tara Warn and Alan Whittle.




16 BOROUGH LIFE Autumn 2011 BOROUGH LIFE Autumn 2011 17

SWEATING hard, the manjogging on what used to becalled a “treadmill” reachesout to tap the crystal clearmonitor in front of him.

He’s just finished “tweeting”his friends during an intenseworkout but casually flicks towatch the BBC news bulletin.Cheeks blowing hard heexhales and with another “taptap” is browsing on eBay.

For those of us who haven’tbeen in a gym since JaneFonda was last on TV it looksmore like a scene from thedeck of the Starship Enterprise.

But this is the new ProfilesHealth and Fitness centre atthe Wigan Life Centre and it isa couple of light years awayfrom what most people wouldexpect a public gym to be.

“This Technogym equipmentis state-of-the-art. It’s the verybest and that’s just what the

people of Wigan deserve,” saidMike Lyons, WLCT’s head ofservice for Sport and Leisure.

“We have created a firstclass Health and Fitness centrethat stands up to anything inthe private sector but at acheaper cost,” he added.

Visitors can plug their iPodinto each cardio vascularstation, so they can watch afilm, listen to music orinteract on social media. Acomputer tracks the workoutand even sets goals, acting as ahi-tech personal trainer.

Logging on to a computer athome enables them to see how

good – or poor – a workout hasbeen.

Since this type of equipmentwas installed at Robin ParkIndoor Sports Centre earlierthis year memberships haverocketed by 62 per cent.

The Profiles health andfitness centre based in the newWigan Life Centre on LibraryStreet also includes a steamand sauna room, fitnessstudios, gold standard disabledfacilities, learners pool and ofcourse the new 25 x 21 metrepool – complete with a movingfloor which allows the depth tobe adjusted – right at its heart.

Science fiction legendArthur C.Clarke once wrotethat “any sufficientlyadvanced technology isindistinguishable from magic”– which rather aptly sums upWigan’s new publicfacilities…..just magic!

WITH the South Site ready for action, work is continuingto progress on the North Site of this landmark project.

This site will include a One Stop Shop for all publicservices in the borough, a Neighbourhood Zone, amodern new library and information services.

The centre will bring together a whole of servicesoffered by the council and its partners includingbenefits advice and claims, housing and homelessnessservices, voluntary and community sector space, adult,and children’s services. It is anticipated that the NorthSite will open in early 2012.

Life Centre – what next?

WIGAN Borough’s newHealthy Living Zone is readyfor business.

The complex, which formsone part of the new WiganLife Centre, represents thefirst milestone in thecouncil’s decade-long plan totransform the face of publicservices in our borough.

The impressive newbuilding has been createdusing a mammoth 4,000tonnes of concrete and 1,800tonnes of structuralsteelwork and a lot of hardwork and dedication.

It’s a multi-million poundproject made possible thanksto a partnership betweenthe council and other publicsector services, private sectorfinance and constructioncompany Morgan Sindall.

Wigan Council CabinetMembers Cllr Chris Ready(Leisure and Culture), CllrSusan Loudon (Children andYoung People) and Cllr GedBretherton (Efficiency) wereamong the first people toview the new facilities.

Cllr Ready said: “We nowhave a public service andleisure complex with modernnew facilities that theresidents of our boroughdeserve. It will help to bringpublic services and peoplecloser and we believe it willhelp to change lives.

“In fact it’s already startedbecause more than 100people have already foundwork on the project andmany of the companiesproviding raw materials andservices to the centre arefrom our borough.”

Borough Life took a first lookat what’s on offer at the LifeCentre’s state-of-art Profilesgym and found the facilitiesare straight from the pagesof a science fiction novel.

Construction sequence that brought new centre to Life

Demolition of the old baths and site clearance led to huge cranes and stunning images of Wigan’s changing skyline.

RISING from the ground on the siteof the former Wigan InternationalPool our borough now has a brand

new swimming complex that’s justwaiting for everyone to dive in.

The Life Centre boasts two brand newswimming pools and some state-of-the-art new facilities that make themaccessible to all.

The main pool measures 25m by 21mand will cater for competent swimmers.This pool also has a moving floor whichmeans the depth can be altered to offera greater range of activities. There isalso a smaller (13m by 7.5m) pooldesigned with children and learnerswimmers in mind.

Denise Grundy, who manages the

complex, says there’s all sort ofactivities already planned for new pools,from straightforward swimming to scubadiving!

Denise said: “Many of theclubs that were displacedwhen the old poolclosed, such as theWigan Wasps arecoming back and newclubs such as theWigan Triathlon Clubare moving and we’rebusy allocating pooltime to them all.Whatever activities willbe going on we’ll alwaysmake sure there is always

plenty of space for people to swim fortheir own enjoyment.”

The complex has some of the bestchanging facilities around

including two nationalstandard ‘Changing Places’

with height-adjustablechanging benches,showers, toilets,washbasins and hoists.

With the centreopening just before7am each morning forearly risers and going

right through until 9pmat night, there’s plenty of

time for everyone to get inand get active!

Like a phoenix from the flames, top of the league publiccentre rises from former pool site

The storyof our Life

To find out moreabout all the services

at the Healthy Living Zoneand how to sign-up to become

a Profiles Member, visit WiganLeisure and Culture Trust’s

website: www.wlct.org or callthe Profiles team at theWigan Life Centre on:

01942 489611







“I’M doing things I would have neverdreamed of thanks to my healthtrainer!” declared Kevin Dempsey.

The 59 year old from Hindley had toretire early because of heart attacks,strokes and weight issues. During a visitto his GP he was told than unless actionwas taken, he would be injecting insulinfor the rest of his life to controloncoming diabetes.

It was that shock news that his GPreferred him to Joanne Eatock, one of ateam of NHS health trainers. She’s beenhelping Kevin to improve his diet,lifestyle and exercise regime.

Not too many months later, Kevin istaking part in Active Living’s cycle rides,aerobics, and he sports a pedometerwhich sometimes clocks up over 17,000steps a day.

“It’s about support, helping peopleovercome barriers they perceive toimproving their health and avoidingserious illnesses,” said Joanne. “We haveaccess to information and services thatcan be tailored to an individual, butmore than that, we work with them oneto one as they choose a healthier lifestyle.”

Last year more than 2,000 of theborough’s residents enlisted the supportof a health trainer. It’s a free service andGPs can advise or people can referthemselves.

Kevin was able to reduce both hischolesterol levels and his waistline by agood number of belt-notches. “He’s achanged man,” Joanne said. “And it’sthe same for many others. They come fora consultation and we can divert peopleaway from unhealthy lifestyles whichmay otherwise cost the NHS far more.”

And it’s absolutely confidential too.“I don’t care about that!” said Kevin.“I want everyone to know how skinny Iam now!”

CONTACT:■ Health Trainers Call: 01942 481712■ Quit Smoking Call: 0500 7867 669■ Food and Health Team

Call: 01942 482575

Kevin Dempseywith Joanne Eatock at

Hindley’s PennygateMedical Centre.

Support gives anew lease of life

PATIENT feedback has helped tochange hospital services in WiganBorough for the better.

Over the past year, Wrightington,Wigan and Leigh NHS Foundation Trust(WWL) has been giving itself a thoroughexamination.

The organisation provides hospitalservices in Wigan Borough and beyondthrough Wigan’s Royal Albert EdwardInfirmary, Leigh Infirmary andWrightington Hospital. Through thereview WWL has been looking at theservices it provides and the condition ofits hospital buildings.

Originally it was thought that WWLmay have to close one or more of itshospital sites.

The findings of the review haveconcluded that all three should remainand be improved.

Silas Nicholls, Director of Strategyand Planning from WWL said: “Bytalking with and listening to patientsand others we wanted to make sure thatwe are able to continue to provide thebest quality and patient experience inthe best possible place.

“After talking with patients, staff,doctors and others the decision hasbeen taken to keep and improve allthree hospital sites.

“We havelistened towhat peoplehad to sayand wefeel that

this is the best solution for our patients.It also allows us to provide clinicalservices in the most appropriatelocation.”

The hospitals will provide services asfollows:● Unplanned emergencies and complexplanned in-patient care services will beprovided at Wigan Infirmary ● Planned, non-complex, in-patient careservices will be provided atWrightington Hospital ● Leigh Infirmary will evolve to be adiagnostic and treatment centreproviding day case procedures

Silas adds: “The clinical servicesdelivered from each site will not changevery much.

“One change that is included in thisreview is the transfer of surgical casesrequiring overnight stay from Leigh toWigan.

“This is great news for WWL and thepatients we serve, as this allows us tomove forward and finalise our plans forwhat will be a major ten-yearinvestment programme that intends todeliver new and improved facilitiesacross all our sites.”■ For more information visitwww.wwl.nhs.uk/ssr or give feedbackvia email to: [email protected] Or inwriting to: SSR, Engagement Office,Wrightington, Wigan and Leigh NHS

Foundation Trust, Royal AlbertRoyal Infirmary, Wigan Lane,

Wigan, WN1 2NN

Feedback shapes

FUTURE

Patients inthe borough have

had their say on howits three hospital

sites will bedeveloped.

Kevin Dempseywith Joanne Eatock at

Hindley’s PennygateMedical Centre.



Claire Tickle, whostarted work atNorthern Featherin 2008 under thecouncil’s SupportedEmploymentService.

IT is one of the region’s biggestsuppliers of pillows, duvets and cushions– and one of the borough’s topchampions of supported employment.

Northern Feather, with its factory nearThree Sisters in Ashton, has a history ofworking with people furthest removedfrom the labour market. But, as factorymanager Pam Lythgoe says, it’s all to thebenefit of the company.

“It’s absolutely fantastic,” said Pam.“We’re a normal firm, subject to thesame issues and market pressures asmost others, but thanks to the council’sSupported Employment Team, I am ableto take on several people who would

otherwise not get a chance in theworkplace – and they all come up withthe goods for me.”

Deputy Leader Cllr David Molyneuxwho has visited workers employed underthe initiative, said: “Firms like NorthernFeather already make an importantcontribution to jobs and the economy inour borough. But they are not just anordinary business, because they maketime to do extraordinary things bysupporting a diverse workforce.”

Wigan’s Supported EmploymentService is a professional employmentand training provider, securing paidwork opportunities for borough residents

who have a disability. Their aim is tocreate a workforce which reflects thelocal community and offersopportunity to all.

Their serviceusers includepeople who havebarriers intoemploymentlike a learningdisability,mental healthissue, an acquiredbrain injury or aphysical or sensoryimpairment.

To find out moreabout Wigan Council’sSupported Employment

Service contactKerry Claxton on01942 828439 oremail k.claxton@

wigan.gov.uk

Pillow talk

LOCAL companies are being urged to be apart of the biggest business event to beheld in the Borough.

The Wigan Business Expo Twenty11 willtake over the whole of Leigh Sports Villagewith stands, exhibits and keynote speakersfrom many of the area's top firms on 14October.

Ninety organisations from ManchesterAirport, the NGS, Yorkshire Purchasing,security experts G4S and Procure Plus will beattending, plus delegates from constructionfirms, banks, legal and recruitment firms.

Wigan Chamber of Commerce PresidentMiranda Barker said: "This event presents anunmissable opportunity for our localbusinesses to promote their productsdirectly to some of the biggest buyers in theNorth West and showcase their firms toliterally hundreds of customers.”

Visitors will get access to the very bestadvice and local business knowledge.

Over 90 per cent of borough basedbusinesses are run by Wigan Boroughresidents, so the event is vital for the localeconomy.

Deputy leader and economy championCllr David Molyneux said: "We're riding highin a time of economic crisis, with lowunemployment and many business start-upsuccesses. The council and its partners seelocal enterprise as vital to building on thatgreat news.“

Andy Burnham MP will open proceedingsover complimentary breakfast sandwichesfrom 8am.● Expo2011 sponsors Park Inn are offering aspecial B&B deal for 13/14 October at £57.Ring 01942 366334 and ask for your room.There's free parking on site for allattendees. For more information about theevent contact Wigan Council’s EconomicRegeneration Office 01942 489175 call oremail: [email protected]

Chance for business to showcase talentVolunteers are being sought to helpwhen the Olympic Torch tours the northwest next Spring.

Beijing Olympian and British 800mchampion, Wigan’s Jenny Meadowssaid: “This is a brilliant opportunity –and we should absolutely ensure thatWigan is represented when the flame iscarried through our region. Organisersare asking for young people and

community leaders working withyoung people to get involved

and I think we should make sureWigan is very much a part of it.”

To register an interest [email protected]

Help for Torchtour is sought



CRIME across Wigan Borough hasagain fallen over the spring andsummer period.

Comparing latest figures from 1stApril - 31st July 2011 to the sameperiod in 2010, there have beenalmost 600 fewer incidents of crime,an overall reduction of 8.8%.

Whilst there have been someissues of concern, particularly inrelation to theft from motor vehicleswhich saw a rise of 14%, there havealso been significant reductionsacross others types of crime.

Most notably assaults with injuryfell by 29%, violence against theperson dropped by 28% and seriousviolent crime was reduced by 16%.

Altogether this equates to about356 fewer victims over the fourmonth period. Anti-social behaviourshows a 15% drop in numbers sinceApril, a significant reduction giventhe extra bank holiday since theretends to be a spike in anti-socialbehaviour over those weekends.

“Wigan Borough continues to bethe safest across the whole ofGreater Manchester and thesefigures are testament to thesuccessful approach we take withpartners and communities intackling the issues that concern youmost,” said Chief SuperintendentShaun Donnellan of GreaterManchester Police’s Wigan Division.

COMMUNITY SAFETY UPDATE

Campaign targetsseasonal issuesNEXT month marks the returnof a seasonal campaign whichaims to tackle unacceptablebehaviour in all its forms -from criminal damage and fly-tipping to dangerous bonfiresand hoax calls to emergencyservices.

Agencies including the fireservice, police, council, leisuretrust, housing and VictimSupport will once again teamup to take a co-ordinatedapproach during a 2-weekperiod historically associatedwith a marked increase inanti-social behaviour.

Fire officers plan to visit 45schools in targeted areas toinform pupils about thepenalties for misusingfireworks and buildingdangerous bonfires. Joined byofficers from Wigan Counciland Victim Support, theassemblies also intend toencourage pupils to considerthe consequences of knockingon the doors of vulnerableand elderly people when they

are out trick or treating."The campaign is as much

about safeguarding as it isabout enforcement," saysSteve Sheridan, Wigan’s chieffire officer.

"That’s why our websiteand school talks don’t pull anypunches and graphicallyillustrate the potentially tragicconsequences of playing withfireworks and behavingrecklessly around fire.

"Sadly, in spite of all themeasures put in place lastyear, the borough stillexperienced two veryserious injuriesrelating to themisuse andcareless use offireworks lastyear, so we urgeparents to do theirbit this year inhelping us ensureyoung people have fun butstay safe, too."

Cllr Kevin Anderson, WiganCouncil’s cabinet champion

for communities andthe environment, adds:

"This period is a flashpointfor all kinds of anti-socialbehaviour, and whilst somebehaviour may appear to be abit of harmless fun, its

negative affects blight ourneighbourhoods and can putlives at risk. We advise peopleto act responsibly and wherepossible attend an organisedevent where families can takepart in fun, safe activities."

Crime falls by 8.8 per centSerious Acquisitive Crime

Burglary Dwelling

Theft from Motor Vehicle

Theft of Motor Vehicle

Serious Violent Crime

Assaults with Injury

Violence Against the Person

Criminal Damage

Theft/Handling Stolen Goods

Anti-Social Behaviour Incidents

All Crime

1114

390

475

182

63

577

640

1493

1552

7396

6750

�

�

�

�

�

�

�

�

�

�

�

1128

362

539

183

53

409

462

1304

1488

6287

6153

1.3

-7.2

13.5

0.5

-15.9

-29.1

-27.8

-12.7

-4.1

-15.0

-8.8

Crime TypesYear toDate10/11

Year toDate11/12

% ChangeYTD 10/11

vYTD 11/12

You canfind out more

at safe4autumn.com



EACH year Wigan Councilpicks up hundreds ofdogs who have been

found roaming the borough’sstreets for a variety reasons.

They could be lost,abandoned or stolen butwhatever the circumstancesthe often poor bewilderedanimal needs to be collected,cared for and if possiblereturned to its rightful owner.

Cuthbert Jackson, whoheads up the council’s dogcontrol service, says: “Weknow that the vast majority ofdog owners in our borough areresponsible and really do carefor their pets.

“It’s distressing when onegoes astray, particularly whenyou consider the range ofproblems it could potentiallyget involved in. A frightenedstray could cause roadaccidents, damage to propertyand be aggressive to adults,children and other people’spets. There is also thenuisance factor through straydogs fouling the pavements.”

The council has introduced

new rules tomake theservice moreefficient andto ensurethat peopleget themessagethat owninga dog is aseriousbusiness.

Cuthbertsaid: “Thefirst thingpeople must beaware of is thatthe law requiresall dogs to wear acollar with its nameand address on. Youcould also get your dogmicro-chipped or have itsdetails on tattoo. Specialscanners can read theelectronic number on the chipand this unique number isused to identify the animal'sowner on the database. Allthese methods will help usidentify your dog and let youknow if we find it.”

Straydogs foundin WiganBorough aretaken to Leigh Cats and DogsHome. If you realise your dogis missing and get in touchwith the council, the dogwarden service will check withthe home to see if it has beenfound.

If your dog is found and youcollect it within 24 hours,there will be a fee of £55. Thisrises to £85 following this andif the dog isn’t claimed withinseven days it could be re-homed or, in a very smallminority of cases wherehealth or temperament maybe an issue, put to sleep.

Wigan Council’s CabinetMember for the Environment,Cllr Kevin Anderson, says:“The Dog Control Service isavailable to reduce all theproblems created byirresponsible ownership,including stray dogs,uncontrolled dogs, dangerousdogs, dog fouling and otherunresonable behaviour. Butit’s not the service for theremoval of unwanted pets.”Anyone who does have a pet

they nolongerwant or are unable to care forshould speak to an animalwelfare agency such as theRSPCA, Dogs Trust and othersmaller organisations.

“If anyone is unsure if theycan commit to keep ananimal, which includes thecost, we would urge them tothink twice before taking oneon.

“The message is – your petis your responsibility, keepthem safe.”● All stray dogs should bereported to Wigan Council on01942 404364 - if it is out-of-office hours there will be amessage with a separatenumber to call.● Stray dogs and cats whichhave been found by LeighCats and Dogs Home can becollected between 9am and6pm on Monday to Friday andbetween 9am and 5pm at theweekend and on BankHolidays (except ChristmasDay, Boxing Day and NewYear’s Day).

Canine safety: top tipsIT is estimated that morethan 2,000 dogs go missingacross the country every week.

By following these tipsyou can ensure the best foryour animal and if it doesgo missing, you willincrease the chances of itbeing found quickly andsafely.● Make sure you dog wearsa collar and identificationtag at all times (even athome) – apart from being agood habit to get into, it’sthe law.● Have your pet micro-chipped as well and makesure you keep your contactdetails up to date.● Don’t let your dog outalone. It is illegal for a dogto be on the streets on itsown.

● Where possible keepyour doors and windowsshut to stop your doggetting out of its ownaccord. ● Make sure your home issecure so the dog can’t rushout.● Make your garden secure– keep the gates shut andmake sure your fences arehigh enough to stop Roverbounding over.● Think about getting yourdog neutered. Males thataren’t could go looking fora female in season.● Take care with a newdog. Don’t let it off the leadunless you’re certain it willcome back when called. ● If your dog doesn’t comeback when called, train it todo so, or keep it on a lead.

Dog ownersurged to takeresponsibility










TAKING THE LEAD:Wigan Council Dog

Control Officer DebbieEastwood shows how

it's done with herdog Jodie.



Looking back... Lookingdown

AFASCINATINGset of old aerial

photos has just come tolight from the council’s planning archive.

The striking images show the towncentre and outskirts of Wigan on 18thMay 1948.

The scars of industry are very visible: itwas some years before nature couldclaim the Wigan Flashes and the modernsporting facilities of Robin Park and theDW Stadium were still decades away.

Can you spot any surviving landmarks?You can see more of them onwiganimages.wlct.org.

Newtown (above): The outline of thelake at Parson’s Meadow hasn’t changedmuch in nearly 70 years and the railwayline remains a constant.

The giant roundabout that is themodern Saddle Junction is decades away,as are Asda and the Robin Park shopunits. There’s a final sighting for the bus

depot, centre right, which wasdemolished this July in preparationfor the new road to Saddle Junction.

Springfield (below): The poolsbetween the River Douglas and therailway remain, but the sportsgrounds between WoodhouseLane and Springfield Roadhave of course changedmassively.

The pitches behind St JohnFisher High School aren’tmarked out, but the linemarkings for the famousSpringfield football pitch havebeen neatly rolled out.

A few years later, the fire of1953 would see the new PhoenixStand replace the woodenstructures on show here.

Beech Hill Avenue wasn’textended to reach Scot Lane untilmuch later.

Aerialphotographs

of Newtown (right)and Springfield (below),

and a striking imageabove of how the

Parson’s Meadow arealooks today.

Newtown

Springfield

Borough Life 22–23 8/9/11 16:55 Page 1


A NEW campaign has been launchedgiving young people the chance toshow how they contribute to their localcommunity and make their mark inWigan Borough.

The My Mark project has beencreated by Wigan Council’s YouthCabinet and local filmmaker MatthewAndrews and his video productioncompany Aposs.

The idea is simple – make your ownbanner or sign saying how you makeyour mark, take a picture of yourselfwith it and then upload it to thededicated group on Facebook.

Sixteen year old Jilly McKiernan,youth cabinet member and the borough'sUK Youth Parliament representative,said: “Young people are some of theunsung heroes of our communities andwe want to celebrate how they maketheir mark in Wigan Borough.

“It could be anything from helpingyour gran do her shopping tovolunteering at your local youth club.

“All these selfless acts should becelebrated so send your entries in andhelp us to recognise the positivecontributions young people make inthe borough.”

The My Mark project was createdfollowing a national campaign tochange perceptions of young people.

Entries will be judged by the YouthCabinet and Members of UK YouthParliament in Wigan and the winner

will receive£50 worth ofshoppingvouchers.

WiganCouncil’sCabinet Memberfor Children andYoung People, Cllr Susan Loudon, said:“It is great to see that young peopleare taking an active role and puttingthemselves right at the heart of ourcommunities. I can’t wait to see someof the entries!”

Escape to theCOUNTRYSIDE

PICTURE PERFECT:The Autumnal

landscape in DeanWood, Orrell.

To find outmore go to

www.wlct.org/linconline call Wigan

Council’s Youth Service on 01942 705944

or email Aposs TV [email protected]

COMMUNITY CHAMPS:Wigan Youth Cabinet

member Aleisha Fosterlaunches My Mark.

WE all have those countryside spotswhere we love to spend time relaxing.

Whether that’s a stroll aroundWorthington Lakes or a picturesquewalk along the canal at Haigh there’splenty to do and explore around Wiganand Leigh.

Now a new campaign has beenlaunched to encourage residents acrossGreater Manchester to enjoy the greatoutdoors on their doorstep.

The Manchester’s Playgroundcampaign is part of a project to unlockthe tourism potential of the region,attracting national as well as localvisitors and spending andcontributing to a healthyGreater Manchester ruraleconomy.

And in Wigan andLeigh there’s plenty tolook out for over thenext few months with ahost of events including;a history walk at WiganFlashes Local NatureReserve on Saturday 24th

September, Winter baskets at HaighCountry Park Sunday 2 Oct, and aspooky Halloween walk at Mesnes Parkon Saturday 29 October.

For more information about thesetype of events and to book your placevisit www.wlct.org/parks

Paul Simpson, managing director ofVisit Manchester, explained: “Thecampaign challenges perceptions andlooks to shine a ‘green spotlight’ onManchester.”

The website www.manchesterscountryside.com details ideas for family

days out. From llama trekking inOldham, swinging through the

trees at ‘Go Ape’ in Bolton,riding the rapids at Burrs

Country Park, Bury, orjust taking it easy with aleisurely stroll, picnic orbike ride along a canaltowpath, bridleway orcountryside trail.

There are also newwalking trails and cycle

routes.

Find out more about the

great countryside in and around Wigan

Borough by visiting theGreenheart Regional

Park website:www.visitgreen

heart.org

Escape to theCOUNTRYSIDE

YOUNG PEOPLEback theborough

Borough Life 22–23 8/9/11 16:55 Page 2


WIGAN folk are being given thechance to pit their strength againstthe mightiest machine in theborough.

With the strength of 2,500 horsesthe Trencherfield Mill’s tripleexpansion four cylinder engine wasonce the powerhouse that drove a26ft flywheel with 54 ropes runninghundreds of cotton spinningmachinery across all five floors of themill at Wigan Pier.

Now this masterpiece ofengineering will take centre stage aspart of Power Fest. Over a set distance,teams of three will be able to see ifthey can out “row” a set distancetravelled by the giant fly wheel.

Power Fest is part of theManchester Science Festival and willtake place during a packed day offun at Trencherfield Mill onWednesday 26 October between11am and 3pm.

Danny Fleming, senior fitnessinstructor at the Wigan LifeCentre, is currentlydevising thechallenge. Hesaid: “This willnot be for thefaint-hearted.It’s going to bea tough sprintthat will be areal test.”

Women in Wigan and Leigh arebeing encouraged to boost theirfitness by taking up cycling.

Just two per cent of women nationallycycle once a week compared to six percent of men.

The actual number of women cyclingonce per week has decreased by morethan 29,000 during the last three years!

Now, in a bid to change direction and‘wheelie’ try and get more womenactive Wigan Leisure andCulture Trust’s Active LivingTeam, in partnership withWigan Council's LocalTransport Planning andRoad Safety Group, hasorganised a new series offemale only cycle rides.

Active Living Officer, AlisonGriffin, said: “Our Heels on

Wheels pilot aims to encourage women tostart cycling in a safe, traffic-freeenvironment with like-minded females,with support from female instructors togive them increased confidence to cyclemore often and even use as analternative to the car. We also plan todeliver a short maintenance workshopwithin the pilot which will cover thebasics, including how to change a tyre

and what to do if the chain falls off.”The scheme is already runningat Three Sisters Recreation

Area, Ashton-in-Makerfieldand a new session at StPeter’s Pavilion, Hindley hasalso been set up.Participants are encouraged

to bring their own bikes butthere are a limited number

available to hire.

Ladies gear up for cycling

Power to the people

Bookingis essential.

For information, or tobook, contact

Active Living Team on01942 488481 or

visit wlct.org/activeliving.

Forinformation

please phone 01942 828128

or check our websitewlct.org/heritage.

Parking is available atWigan Investment Centre

on Swan MeadowLane, Wigan.

TWO-IN-A-ROW: Danny Fleming, senior fitnessinstructor at Profile’s Health and Fitness Centre, WiganLife Centre and WLCT’s Heritage Engineer Bill Rowley.

HEELS ON WHEELS: The girls get busy on theirbikes at Three Sisters Recreation Area.HEELS ON WHEELS: The girls get busy on theirbikes at Three Sisters Recreation Area.

TWO-IN-A-ROW: Danny Fleming, senior fitnessinstructor at Profile’s Health and Fitness Centre, WiganLife Centre and WLCT’s Heritage Engineer Bill Rowley.


Here’s how it works... Terry’s story


EACH year thousands ofpeople in WiganBorough receive support

from the council and itspartners to help them toenjoy a better quality of life.

It could be people livingwith a physical disability, amental illness, adults withlearning difficulties, olderpeople who want to continueto live independently or eventhose who care for someoneelse.

Whatever the issue is, onething is certain, everyone isdifferent and everyone hasneeds that are individual tothem.

That’s why Wigan Councilis launching a new approachto the social care services itprovides, calledPersonalisation.

Wigan Council’s CabinetMember for Adults andHealth, Cllr Keith Cunliffe,explains: “Personalisationgives people and their carersmore control, choice andflexibility over how they planand manage the social caresupport they receive.

“It puts the individual rightat the centre of the care theyreceive and gives them thefreedom and control to designthe support care packagethat’s right for them.”

So how will it work?

Anyone who thinks theyneed support can contactthe council. We wouldfirst need to establishwhat sort of supportand help they need,even if it is onlypointing them in theright direction foradvice and information.

If you need furtherhelp you will be offeredan asessment.

From here we start tohelp you to plan yoursupport, it could be that youchoose to take this in theform of social care money– this is called aPersonal Budget. Thesebudgets would beavailable in addition toallowances andbenefits, though acontribution may berequired, depending onincome.

The Personal Budget cancome in the form of a directpayment, payments managedby the council or a mixture ofthe two.

Personalisation is alsoavailable for people who payfor their own care and support.

Once funding has beenagreed a support plan isdrawn up, sometimes with thehelp of family, carers, thecouncil or others.

In the plan people set outthe sorts of support theyneed to do the things theywant to do. It would also setour who will deliver thesupport and when.

Cllr Cunliffe said: “Itmeans the focus will be onhelping people keep or regaintheir independence and also

letting them know whatsupport might be availablethrough their owncommunity. The end resultwill hopefully be helpingpeople in our borough toimprove their own quality oflife by encouraging them totake control of the care theyreceive.”

Terry has Asperger’sSyndrome and was living ina residential home, butthings weren’t going wellfor him. He did not like tobe seen as someone with alearning disability, wasn’table to go out and was notable to visit his family andfriends when he liked.

Terry’s mum spoke to hissocial worker and put himforward for a personalbudget.

Terry wanted to live in hisown place. He wrote asupport plan and bought aflat. He has a team of staffthat he’s appointed tosupport him when he wantsto go out.

His parents help him withthis, but he makes all thefinal decisions. He has muchmore freedom about whathe does each day and hisbehaviour has improvedconsiderably.

personalthe

touch

To find out moreabout social care

services in Wigan you canvisit the My Life, My Choiceswebsite: mylifemychoices.

wigan.gov.uk/ or youcan call Wigan Council’s

Central Duty Teamon 01942 828777

Council promotes greater choice and control over social care needs

Personal budgets are helping peopleacross the borough make choices to

improve their own quality of life.

Joan is 80 years old. She hasarthritis and uses awheelchair but still livesindependently at home.

She had home care tohelp her wash and dresseach morning and evening.Her social worker explainedpersonal budgets to herand helped her to completean assessment and supportplan.

Joan decided to manage

her personal budget herselfand right away changed herhome care agency to asmaller, local one. Her socialworker helped her to joinan over 60’s club. She wasalso given help in finding a‘ring and ride’ service to gether out and about tocommunity venues. NowJoan says she feels morevalued as a person and is incontrol of her support.

Here’s how it works... Joan’s journey


26 BOROUGH LIFE Summer 2011

PARENTS are being urged to puttheir babies to sleep in the safestplace in a new hard-hittingcampaign.

Every year, 300 babies in theUK die suddenly andunexpectedly in their sleep as aresult of Sudden Infant DeathSyndrome (SIDS).

There are more baby deaths inthe North West than any otherpart of England and Wales, withWigan’s rate double the nationalaverage.

NHS Ashton, Leigh and Wiganand Wigan Council are workingto reduce the number of suddeninfant deaths. As well aspublicity, hundreds of health andsocial care workers are beinggiven training on how to advise

parents and look out for signsthat babies might be at risk.

Parents can reduce the risk totheir newborn by ensuring babysleeps on its back in the parents’room and by keeping thetemperature down to between60-64° Fahrenheit or 16-20°Centigrade. Falling asleep with ababy significantly increases therisk of sudden infant deaths ifthe parent is a smoker, under theinfluence of drugs or alcohol, orjust very tired.

Cllr Susan Loudon, WiganCouncil’s cabinet champion forchildren, says: “I sincerely hopethat the result is a fall in therates of sudden infant deaths andthe resultant heartache forfamilies.”

Freddie Mills from Ashton helped tolaunch the campaign at Wigan’sRoyal Albert Edward Hospital withmum Sarah and dad Andrew.

● The safest place for a baby to sleep for the first six months is ontheir back in a cot, Moses basket or crib in their parents’ room.

● It is dangerous for a baby to sleep in a normal bed or on a sofa orarmchair.

● Babies should be placed on their back on a firm mattress, withtheir feet at the end of the cot.

● They should also not be allowed to get too hot. An ideal roomtemperature between 60-64° Fahrenheit (16–20° Centigrade.)

● Babies should be protected from second hand smoke – mothersshould not smoke during pregnancy or smoke inside the house.

Learn more and download handy checklists:www.wiganlscb.com/safesleeping and www.fsid.org.uk

Sleep Safe checklist:

WHEN Helen Stiff spotted a detail on the ‘Welcometo Leigh’ signs, she emailed Borough Life.

“I understand this may be a strange andimpossible request,” she wrote. “My father Wilf Stiffis 78 this year and used to be a coal miner atBickershaw – a huge part of his life and somethinghe loved dearly. On that sign post there are a fewpictures, including the face of a miner – my dadWilf! I know it’s a long shot, but we’re wondering ifyou could provide us with a copy of the picture?”

The story of Wilf, whose mining career took himthrough the glory days of the Lancashire coalfield,touched the team at the council’s Sign Shop. Paul,Craig and Michael are normally responsible formanufacturing the borough’s traffic signage andvehicle livery and were delighted to create a smallreplica especially for Wilf.

Their manager Alan Ashton said: “It’s a privilegeto remember miners like Wilf whose work indemanding conditions fuelled the economy of ourarea for generations.”

Wilf was thrilled to receive the gift. “I used to goto the colliery to collect my dad’s wages in a littletin box,” he recalled. “He was a miner too andwould wash in a tin bath in front of the fire.” Sonfollowed father and young Wilf reported to themanager to start his apprenticeship as a joiner,maintaining the shafts.

Over the decades, Wilf led a team of fixers whowould ensure the area’s pits were kept safe andopen. His career drew to a close capping pits as theindustry went into decline.

Bickershaw’s renaissance with its marina and newindustry and eco-housing to come fascinates Wilf.Daughter Helen married this summer and Wilf

celebrated his 78th birthdayat the same time. Helen said:“Thank you so much. We’reoverwhelmed and dad isthrilled that he’s a part ofhow the heritage of Leigh andthe coal industry arecelebrated.”

The sign welcomingvisitors to Leigh,and, inset, Wilf Stiffas he looks today.


IT’S not the most shockingimage taken that day, in fact itis fairly typical. A close call

between mother pushing a toddlerin a pram and a moving car.

Car and baby missed by a few feetand no harm was done this time butit’s not an uncommon occurrence.And that’s why the council’s trafficteam are looking at the best wayto promote safety at the schoolgates.

Headteachers talk of theirfrustration at the minority ofparents who are seemingly intenton driving their children directlyinto the classroom. Crossingpatrols, governors and staffregularly report near misses duringthe school run.

“Parents have very busy lives,”acknowledges Cllr Susan Loudon, thecabinet’s lead on children’s issues.

“And there’s no time more hectic thaneight o’clock on a school day morning!

“But that is still no excuse for theincidents I saw outside one schoolrecently. We can’t all walk to school, butI appeal to all drivers to mind theirspeed near schools and remember the‘20’s plenty’ rule.”

Cllr Loudon discussed with officershow the council can assist schools withthe problem alongside Cllr KevinAnderson, cabinet environmentchampion.

Both councillors saw footage recordedon a clearly marked CCTV vehicle ofincidents just a few feet away.

The car was being trialled at variouslocations where bad parking had beenhighlighted. Had it been recording livetraffic offences and issuing fines, oneWigan school would have attracted 28 inless than an hour. Figures for Golborne,Leigh and other areas were only a littlelower.

Cllr Anderson says: “It would beimpossible to have cameras andenforcement officers at every school

morningand night,but we arelooking closely atpossible methods toimprove our presence andencourage safer access. Let’s makedangerous vehicle driving near schoolscompletely unacceptable.”

Staff in the traffic team have workedwith schools to providedistinctive pencilmarkers to showcrossing points,as well asensuring zigzags and otherroad markingsare clear.

The council’sMetroFresh team

manage the lollipop patrols which,although not a service they are obligedto provide, is one that is increasinglyrelied on by parents. “Parents are legallyresponsible for their children until theyare inside school,” says Cllr Loudon.

“And it’s been great to work withmany of them on Walking Buses andSafer Routes to Schools campaigns.We’re now concentrating on thoseless eager to choose healthier, saferoptions for getting to school and

ensuring that those who must drive doso safely.”


A still from CCTVfootage showingthe potential forperil on the roadsoutside schools.

CAR CARE: Wigan Council'sCabinet Member for Children and

Young People, Cllr SusanLoudon and Member for the

Environment Cllr KevinAnderson are leading the

way on road safetyoutside schools in

our borough.

To find out moreabout road safetyissues visit Wigan

Council’s website:www.wigan.gov.uk

and search for‘Road Safety

Forum’.

MINDTHATCHILD

OPTIONS BEING CONSIDERED:● Targeted traffic enforcement with

instant ticketing

● 20mph speed zones at school start andend times

● Working with schools and parents toprovide road safety education

MINDTHATCHILD

A still from CCTVfootage showingthe potential forperil on the roadsoutside schools.



THE toughest of economic times, adepressed property market stillstruggling to recover – but even

against this backdrop, several majorregeneration schemes are well underwayacross the borough.

Council planners have been workingclosely with developers in Leigh, whosee the town’s strong economicpotential. There are canalsidedevelopments off Spinning Jenny Wayand continuing work at the SportsVillage. Shoppers should welcome thecompetition and choice of one of the bigfour supermarkets right in the towncentre. There are advanced plans forparking improvements in the town:works will begin shortly on demolishingthe unsightly derelict railway arches andimprovements near the library will beginin January.

Opposite the bus station, the eagerlyawaited cinema complex will bringfamily entertainment to the eveningeconomy as well as saving on many out-of-borough cinema commutes for locals.Tescos, Morrisons at the Sports Villageand the multiplex are set to open in thecoming weeks, with well over 400 newjobs being created as a result.Sainsbury’s have recently been grantedplanning permission for improved accessto their Atherleigh Way premises andthey are discussing major improvementsto their store with officers. And there’s£1m of investment in a 35 acreemployment schemebetween ParsonageWay andAtherleigh Way.

Last yearsaw newaffordablehousingbuilt onEtherstoneStreet inLeigh, as well

as in Wigan. Councilofficers have justannounced that theyhave successfullysecured moreinvestment from theHomes andCommunities Agency tobuild around 70 furtherhomes in the year ahead.

Also in Wigan, toaccompany the new facilitiesfor residents at the Life Centre, amore welcoming entrance to the townis taking shape for those arriving at thetrain stations, with a £1.2m makeover forWallgate’s street scene. Commuters arealso set to see the full benefit of theSaddle Junction improvements. The oldbus depot was demolished last month,

and contractors are working toprepare the land for a brand newroad, scheduled for next summer,which will circumvent thefrustrating pinch point of therailway bridge on the A49.

New employment land offEnfield Street in Pemberton is

coming next year, following theredevelopment of the former

derelictTransbusdepot, which isnow fully let.

Youngpeople inWigan will

benefit fromthe much

anticipated WiganYouth Zone, where

the first sod was cutlast month.

And within 12 months,Hindley will see the UK’s first zero-energy cost business park. A £2.7mdevelopment on Swan Lane will becomehome for nine new businesses, includinga demonstration centre showcasing themany low and zero carbon technologiesbeing used there.

“These are major achievements forevery resident to be proud of,” saysdeputy leader Cllr David Molyneux. “Ata time when many areas are stagnantand people may ask what is being doneto improve their urban environment, weare delivering results thanks to theeffective partnerships we continue toforge with businesses and investors.”

Making it happen

WHAT'S GOING ON:Some of the regeneration

projects in Wigan Borough asthey happen, from work on

Wallgate to the new Tesco inLeigh and Deputy Leader Cllr

David Molyneux taking the keysto the former Wigan bus

depot from David Leonardfrom First Bus.


BOROUGH LIFE Summer 2011 29

LEIGH’S Turnpike Centre is celebrating amilestone this autumn!

For 40 years the centre has been thecultural hub of Leigh with a bustling library,thriving art gallery and popular meetingrooms.

Since its opening in 1971, it’s estimated amassive 12 MILLION people have walkedthrough the doors, staff have answered almost400,000 questions while issuing more than 17MILLION books, cassettes, CDs and DVDs.

To celebrate the last four decades, and tolook forwards to a positive future, theTurnpike Centre is hosting a number of eventsfrom 28 October to 3 November.

The Turnpike Gallery has aspecially selected exhibition ofworks from the Arts CouncilCollection by 24 artists;many of whom havepreviously shown atthe gallery, includingL S Lowry, and madepossible by ArtsCouncil LotteryFunding.

Three TownsOpera, who

performed at the first LeighArts Festival when the centre opened, will beperforming again.

Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory, the1971 version, will be screened, withaccompanying children’s activities.

Local history and reminiscence talks andpresentations will be taking place, plus a folkmusic evening featuring local folk legendsBram Taylor and Gary and Vera Aspey as wellas newcomers Linda Jennings and TheJaywalkers, Rocky Horror Picture show and a70s cooking demonstration.

These days the Turnpike is managed byWLCT on behalf of Wigan Council.

Leader of Wigan Council andLeigh councillor Lord Peter

Smith is an avid fan of theTurnpike. He says: “This

building has been thecultural heartbeat ofLeigh for fourdecades. It hasheld thousands of

activities that haveenriched people’slives throughlearning and thearts.

“If you haven’tbeen for a while make

this Autumn the timeto return and enjoy the

wonderful eventsplanned.”

● The Turnpike Centreopened on 3rd November1971 as the new Libraryand Arts Centre for Leigh.It cost £250,000, whichtoday would be about£2.7million.● The centre was designedby JC Prestwich and Sonsarchitects, who had alsodesigned the Town Hall andprevious library. ● The Queen visited theTurnpike Centre in 1977.● The Dootson Collection ishoused in the TurnpikeCentre after being donatedto Leigh in the 1950s.It contains books of localinterest as well as somefirst editions including onesigned by Dracula authorBram Stoker.● The sculpture on thefront of the building is byWilliam Mitchell, a prolificartist from the 60s and 70s.● 270 exhibitions havebeen shown in the mainTurnpike Gallery. Thesehave included painting,drawing, sculpture, textiles,video, photography,ceramics, printmaking andinteractive installations bylocal, regional, nationaland international artists.● The first exhibition in theTurnpike Gallery was byHenry Moore. Three of theNorth West’s mostprominent post-war artistshave all had solo exhibitionsat the Turnpike – L S Lowry,Theodore Major andLawrence Isherwood.● Included in RichardHamilton and Dieter Roth’sexhibition of 1976 werepictures for dogs, hung at‘dog’s eye level’.● In the last 5 years over60,000 people have visitedthe gallery, more than6,000 children have takenpart in school visits andover 9,000 local peoplehave taken part inworkshops, activities andevents organised by theTurnpike Gallery.

Did you know...

Wigan artist TheodoreMajor at the TurnpikeGallery in 1980.

Turning back the clock at the TurnpikeTurning back the clock at the Turnpike

The acrobatic Ramos playingwith knives outside the

Turnpike as part of the Hot onthe Square Festival 2009.

For moreinformation visitwww.wlct.org

or call01942 404 469

CultureCLUB


Autumn 2011

Ashton Festival

Fri 16th Sep, 7pmASHTON FESTIVAL -GYMNASTIC DISPLAYSeagull’s Gym, Bryn Road South.Gymnastic Display. Festival ticketsavailable from Ashton Library from22nd August. Tickets also availablefrom the Festival Stall, AshtonMarket on Tuesday 6th September,Saturday 10th September andTuesday 13th September.

Sat 17th Sep, 11amASHTON FESTIVAL - MORRISDANCERS & FACE PAINTINGAshton Market.Morris Dancers and Face Painting.Festival tickets available fromAshton Library from 22nd August.Tickets also available from theFestival Stall, Ashton Market onTuesday 6th September, Saturday10th September and Tuesday 13thSeptember.

Sat 17th Sep, 7pmASHTON FESTIVAL -BROOMFIELD SCHOOL OFDANCESt Edmund Arrowsmith School.Broomfield School of Dance.Festival tickets available fromAshton Library from 22nd August.Tickets also available from theFestival Stall, Ashton Market onTuesday 6th September, Saturday10th September and Tuesday 13thSeptember.

Sun 18th Sep, 1pmASHTON FESTIVAL - CYCLERIDEMeet at Three Sisters Visitor Centre.Cycle ride with Park Rangers toViridor Wood and return. Festivaltickets available from AshtonLibrary from 22nd August. Ticketsalso available from the FestivalStall, Ashton Market on Tuesday 6thSeptember, Saturday 10thSeptember and Tuesday 13thSeptember.

Mon 19th Sep, 6:30pmASHTON FESTIVAL- CONCERTSt Edmund Arrowsmith School.Let St Wilfrid’s School ChildrenSing. Festival tickets available fromAshton Library from 22nd August.Tickets also available from theFestival Stall, Ashton Market onTuesday 6th September, Saturday10th September and Tuesday 13thSeptember.

Tue 20th Sep, 2pmASHTON FESTIVAL - VISIT BYADULT AUTHOR JEOFF LEEAshton Library.Visit by adult author Jeoff Lee.Festival tickets available fromAshton Library from 22nd August.Tickets also available from theFestival Stall, Ashton Market onTuesday 6th September, Saturday10th September and Tuesday 13thSeptember.

Tue 20th Sep, 7pmASHTON FESTIVAL - FLORALDEMONSTRATIONAshton Library.Floral Demonstration by MakerfieldFlorist. Festival tickets availablefrom Ashton Library from 22ndAugust. Tickets also available fromthe Festival Stall, Ashton Market onTuesday 6th September, Saturday10th September and Tuesday 13thSeptember.

Wed 21st Sep, 1:30pmASHTON FESTIVAL - GUIDEDWALKMeet at 188 Old Road.Memories of Ashton Guided Walkwith Don Hodgkinson. Festivaltickets available from AshtonLibrary from 22nd August. Ticketsalso available from the FestivalStall, Ashton Market on Tuesday 6thSeptember, Saturday 10th Septemberand Tuesday 13th September.

Wed 21st Sep, 7:30pmASHTON FESTIVAL - CONCERTSt Oswalds Church.Organ, Piano, Cornet Recitals and

Baritone Singer. Festival ticketsavailable from Ashton Library from22nd August. Tickets also availablefrom the Festival Stall, AshtonMarket on Tuesday 6th September,Saturday 10th September andTuesday 13th September.

Thu 22nd Sep, 10amASHTON FESTIVAL - COFFEEMORNINGPark Lane Chapel.Coffee Morning / History of ParkLane Chapel. Festival ticketsavailable from Ashton Library from22nd August. Tickets also availablefrom the Festival Stall, AshtonMarket on Tuesday 6th September,Saturday 10th September andTuesday 13th September.

Fri 23rd Sep, 8pmASHTON FESTIVAL - IRISH NIGHTBrian Boru Club, Bryn Street.Irish Night, Artist Michael Coyne.Festival tickets available fromAshton Library from 22nd August.Tickets also available from theFestival Stall, Ashton Market onTuesday 6th September, Saturday10th September and Tuesday 13thSeptember.

Sat 24th Sep, 7:30pmASHTON FESTIVAL - WIGANYOUTH BRASS BANDSt Edmund Arrowsmith School.Wigan Youth Brass Band. Festivaltickets available from AshtonLibrary from 22nd August. Ticketsalso available from the FestivalStall, Ashton Market on Tuesday 6thSeptember, Saturday 10th Septemberand Tuesday 13th September.

Libraries

Sat 22nd OctTHE OPEN BOOK CLUBLeigh Library.Leigh Library invites you to join ourreading group for adults takingplace on a Saturday. For furtherinformation telephone01942 404404.

Thu 22nd Sep, 10am - 1pmBUYING AND SELLING ONLINELeigh Library.Join the internet buying / sellingcraze and learn how to do it safely.Courses include tutorials onAmazon and eBay. Bookingessential. For further informationtelephone 01942 404404 or [email protected]

Sat 24th SepTHE OPEN BOOK CLUBLeigh Library.Leigh Library invites you to join ourreading group for adults takingplace on a Saturday. For furtherinformation telephone01942 404404.

Sat 24th Sep, 9:30am - 11:30amSATURDAY Wii LEAGUEStandish Library.Suitable for all ages. Come alongand play the latest Wii games. Funand informal session. No need tobook. For further informationtelephone 01257 400496.

Thu 29th Sep, 10am - 1pmAN INTRODUCTION TODIGITAL PHOTOGRAPHYLeigh Library.Booking essential. Learn how toupload and edit digitalphotographs from your digitalcamera and use photo editingsoftware. For further informationtelephone 01942 404404 or [email protected]

Sat 1st Oct, 10:45am - 11:45amSATURDAY CRAFT CLUBStandish Library.Suitable for children aged 5 to 9years. Limited places available. Forfurther information and to book aplace telephone 01257 400496. £1.

Thu 6th Oct, 10am - NoonART CLASSStandish Library.We have a few places available atour regular art classes. For furtherinformation telephone 01942400496. £2.


What’s

For full details of all special and regular eventsand festivals, pick up a What’s On brochure atyour local library or visit www.wlct.org/whatson

ON


Thu 6th Oct, 10am - NoonINSPECT-A-GADGETLeigh Library.Learn about the latest computertechnologies and how they makelife simpler and much more fun.Booking essential. For furtherinformation telephone 01942404404 or [email protected]

Wed 12th Oct, 2pm - 4:30pmHMRC SELF ASSESSMENTWORKSHOPLeigh Library, Derby Room.A self assessment workshop by HerMajesty Revenue and Customs forthe self employed. HMRC staff willshow you how to complete anonline Self Assessment Tax Return.For further information telephone01942 404098.

Thu 13th Oct, 10am - 1pmAN INTRODUCTION TODIGITAL PHOTOGRAPHYLeigh Library.Booking essential. Learn how toupload and edit digitalphotographs from your digitalcamera and use photo editingsoftware. For further informationtelephone 01942 404404 or [email protected]

Thu 20th Oct, 10am - NoonINSPECT-A-GADGETLeigh Library.Learn about the latest computertechnologies and how they makelife simpler and much more fun.Booking essential. For furtherinformation telephone 01942404404 or [email protected]

Sat 22nd Oct, 9:30am - 11:30amSATURDAY Wii LEAGUEStandish Library.Suitable for all ages. Come alongand play the latest Wii games. Funand informal session. No need tobook. For further informationtelephone 01257 400496.

Mon 24th Oct to Sat 29th OctHALLOWEEN LANTERNCOMPETITION

Leigh Library.For children aged 16 and under.Drop in a lantern you have made athome whether it’s paper or apumpkin between the 24th and29th October to be displayed.Winner chosen on the 31stOctober. For further informationtelephone 01942 404404. FREE.

Tue 25th Oct, 1:30pm - 2:30pmHALLOWEEN STORIESIN THE PARKLeigh Library.For children aged 0 - 11 years.Booking essential. All ticketsavailable from Leigh Librarycounter. For further informationtelephone 01942 404404. £1.

Tue 25th Oct, 2pm - 3pmSPOOKY BINGOWigan Children’s Library.Bookings taken from Saturday 8thOctober. For further informationtelephone 01942 828104. £1.

Tue 25th Oct, 2pm - 3:30pmKIDS HALLOWEEN FANCYDRESS DISCOLeigh Library.For children aged 0 - 11 years.Booking essential. All ticketsavailable from Leigh Librarycounter. For further informationtelephone 01942 404404. £1.

Tue 25th Oct, 5:30pm - 6:30pmBOOK AT BEDTIMEHindley Library.For children aged 5 to 11 years old.Booking essential. For furtherinformation telephone 01942255287. FREE.

Thu 27th OctFAMILY ORIGAMI CLUBLeigh Library.Have fun, learn and create basicpaper models using ancient paperfolding techniques. This a free craftfor all the family. For furtherinformation telephone 01942404404. FREE.

Thu 27th Oct, 10:00am - 1pmAN INTRODUCTION TODIGITAL PHOTOGRAPHY

Leigh Library.Booking essential. Learn how toupload and edit digitalphotographs from your digitalcamera and use photo editingsoftware. For further informationtelephone 01942 404404 or [email protected]

Thu 27th Oct, 3pm - 4pmHALLOWEEN FUN CRAFTSESSIONInce Library.For children aged 6 to 11 years old.Booking essential. For furtherinformation telephone 01942324423. £1.

Thu 27th Oct, 3pm - 4:30pmHALLOWEEN PARTYTyldesley Library.For further information telephone01942 404738 or call in the library.

Thu 27th Oct, 7:15pm - 8:15pmFAMILY HALLOWEEN SPOOKYEVENINGLeigh Library.For children aged 7 years and over.Booking essential. All ticketsavailable from Leigh librarycounter. For further informationtelephone 01942 404404.

Fri 28th Oct, 2pm - 3pmHALLOWEEN FUN CRAFTSESSIONHindley Library.For children aged 6 to 11 years old.Booking essential. For furtherinformation telephone01942 255287. £1.

Fri 28th Oct, 2pm - 3pmHALLOWEEN PARTYWigan Children’s Library.Come along for spooky fun! Fancydress optional. Sign in for session1.45pm - 2pm. For furtherinformation telephone01942 828104. £1.

Sat 29th Oct, 10:30am -11:30amSPOOKY SATURDAY STORYTIMEWigan Children’s Library.No need to book. For furtherinformation telephone 01942828104. FREE.

Sat 29th Oct, 10:45am -11:45amSATURDAY CRAFT CLUBStandish Library.Suitable for children aged 5 to 9years. Limited places available. Forfurther information and to book aplace telephone 01257 400496. £1.

Sat 29th Oct, 2pm - 3pmSPOOKY SATURDAY CRAFTCLUBWigan Children’s Library.Sign in for session 1.45pm - 2pm.

For further information telephone01942 828104. £1.

Fri 18 & Sat 19 Nov, 7.30pmThe Three Towns in Concert The Three Towns in Concert at Lowton Civic Hall, HeskethMeadow Lane, Lowton. WA3 2AHTickets £ 8.00. For furtherinformation telephone 01942883722.


ON TOUR this autumn areThe Pitmen Poets,celebrating the songs andculture of the coal miningindustry.

As well as venues in theirnative north east, thegroup are visiting Coalvillein the Midlands and onFriday 14th October, theywill be at Wigan ParishChurch.

The tour brings togetherfour seasoned performers:Billy Mitchell, formerly ofthe band Lindisfarne,renowned traditional singerand instrumentalist BobFox, Tyneside song expertBenny Graham and Durhamsinger songwriter Jez Lowe.

Together they will relivethe triumphs and tragedies,the hard times and thehumour of a once-greatindustry, accompanied byarchive film, songs andstories.

The event is described asa journey through thecenturies of coal, fromdominance to decline – andwhat happened after that.Join the Pitmen Poets atWigan Parish Church onFriday 14th October: ticketsare £15 in advance.

Earlier gigs were a sell-out success, so contactDavid Cartlidgeon 01942 824291 [email protected] forinformation and tickets.



Documents

Borough Life Issue 35 Autumn 2011