Borough Life Issue 38 Summer 2012

THE MAGAZINE FOR ALL RESIDENTS OF WIGAN BOROUGH

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BOROUGH

ISSUE 38 SUMMER 2012

WORLD CLASS 8 page training centre supplement inside

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Life Lines

Borough Life welcomes your letters about local issues or comments about articles in the magazine. Write to: The Editor, Borough Life, FREEPOST NWW3502A, Wigan WN1 1XZ; Email: boroughlife@wigan.gov.uk (Letters may be edited).

‘H’ marks the spot for safe parking Sir, – Having been on the receiving end of un-savoury comments more times than I care to remember, would you please consider publishing an article about the H-bar across driveways.

My wife and I are OAPs and diabetic and if we need to seek attention quickly, we would have to try first to find the driver of the parked vehicle.

I have had an H-bar for a number of years and had a short (20”) extension added two months ago after having new gates fitted and the up rise moved to cover the extension.

All legal and paid for and installed by the council.

Last night I had a vehicle parked right in front of my driveway on the pavement and covering the H-bar.

After approx 20 minutes, the driver returned to his vehicle so I pointed out that he should not park across my drive and that he in fact was on top of an H-bar.

I got told that he could park where he liked and that also the H-bar meant nothing.

According to the highway code, rule 21 (the older version) it states it's illegal to park across an access/egress to a property that has a legal right to cross the footpath.

Could you please put an article (with an H-bar) on show in situ and it’s purpose in the next Borough Life magazine to highlight this inconsiderate act.

J. Jones

What’s in store for loop line?

Sir, – Regarding Borough Life Magazine issue 37 Spring 2012 the article on page 27, ‘Latest green attraction grows out of borough’s rich industrial heritage’.

I read this article with interest as my garden backs on to the Whelley Loop Line. As a local resident I hoped to find out the details of exactly what is proposed and possibly get involved in some way. However, the article does not give any information or details of what is proposed.

I have visited the website www.visitgreenheart.com - but there

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An example of an H-bar road marking which should prevent people from parking outside someone’s home.

Wigan Council’s Traffic Manager Kevin Hargreaves, says: “Mr Jones is absolutely correct and we are sorry to hear that he has suffered because other people are not aware of the rules.

“The key to this issue is the dropped kerbs outside some residents’ driveways.

“It is an offence to obstruct a dropped kerb by parking in front of it and those that

is no information there either. I have sent feedback via email on that site.

C A Hearne (Mrs) Wigan Council’s Greenheart Manager, Martin Purcell, said: “It’s great that so many people are interested in different aspects of Greenheart and want to get involved. The good news is we have completed the majority of the heritage trail and hope to get some more funding for more paths across the site.”

For further information regarding the Kirkless project please visit the Greenheart website: visitgreenheart.com/ Other Greenheart Sites or contact Liz Vango-Smith at Lancashire Wildlife Trust on 01942 233976 or email lvango@lancswt.org.uk

do could find themselves with a fixed penalty fine if caught.

“The H-bar acts as visual way of identifying that there is a dropped kerb and is intended to act as a deterrent to prevent people parking across the kerbs. If driveways are obstructed and a complaint is received, our parking enforcement officers can issue a penalty fine.”

Canalside needs a good tidy Sir, – I thought it my duty to bring to your attention the state of the Leeds Liverpool Canal between Crook and Rose Bridge.

It is quickly approaching tourist season for canal users not only those in barges but on cycles and walking, this is all some of them will see of Wigan and those who are considering stopping could well be put off, I would. I expect you are in a position to bring this to the attention of someone who could do something about it, not only to clean up the mess but prosecute the offenders and then

maybe get them to clean it up.

A Wiganer Wigan Council’s Head of Safer, Cleaner, Greener Neighbourhoods, Sally Wolstencroft, said: “We agree the condition of the canalside needs some work.

The responsibility for the canal lies with British Waterways ands we have worked with them in the past to provide litter bins on the canal paths.

Ultimately the responsibility for keeping our waterways free from litter lies with those people who use them. It is sad that a few selfish people are turning the borough’s natural beauty spots into an eyesore.

We would urge everyone to treat our borough with respect and take their litter home.”

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www.wigan.gov.uk

Leader Column

Summer 2012 This edition packed with news, plus...

By Peter Smith Leader, Wigan Council PROVIDING value for money and maintaining services to our community are Wigan Council’s key priorities. And the savings made by the council last year are helping us to do exactly that.

Whilst we remain in challenging economic times, the council and its staff have risen to this challenge. Last year saw a total saving of £24.8million, which exceeded our targets by more than £3million.

We have achieved these savings by reviewing our back-office functions, streamlining the council’s senior management team and through other initiatives such as improving our waste and recycling rates, which you can read more about in this issue over pages 22 to 25.

Despite this positive start there is still much to be done. The Government has imposed on us the need to save £66million over four years, with probably more to come, so we will continue to look at ways to make savings and provide excellent services.

IT was a once in a generation chance for our borough to shine and it did so with pride. The Olympic Torch relay came to Wigan Borough in May and thousands of people lined the roads and streets waving union flags and cheering on the runners.

And whilst there were undoubtedly some very exceptional people who were chosen to carry the torch through our borough, the real stars of the show where those members of our community who took the time and made effort to put on a show, decorate their house, hold a party or just celebrate this unique occasion. I’d like to thank everyone who took part in the day’s events, you really did our borough proud. You can see some of the best action from the day’s events on pages 6 and 7 of this edition.

HELPING our young people to the very best start in life is something that everyone at Wigan Council is committed to. Which is why it is great news that we have succeeded in our quest to create 100 new apprenticeship posts for young people in 100 days.

The truth is we have smashed our own target by creating well over 100 new positions in less than the allotted 100 days. The key to this success has been a partnership between the council and the borough’s business community who have been keen to get on board and are already realising the benefits of employing an apprentice.

And there’s more to come because the council has committed an extra £100,000 to provide more apprenticeship places for young people over the next year. We believe it is an investment, not only in our young people but in the future prosperity of our borough. You can find out more about some of the individual success stories on page 10.

STAYING on the subject of opportunities for young people, this edition of Borough Life is a bumper one because we’re delighted to say that we’ve teamed up with the Wigan Warriors to bring you an eight-page special all about the exciting new Central Park Training campus.

This new centre on the site of the former PEMBEC school, Norley Hall, is the product of a unique partnership between the council and the Warriors to give young people in our borough access to world class training and education facilities.

It’s an ambitious venture that’s sure to serve generations of young people in our borough well.

Torch Relay “flaming fantastic”

Future Steps starts job hunt early

Join the recycling boom

Stars out for jazz spectacular

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CONTENTS

The

COVER PICTURE: 800m runner Jenny Meadows, who trains at Robin Park, hopes to represent the borough and Team GB at the 2012 Games.

See page seven.

Borough Life is published by Wigan Council and distributed to all households in the borough. This edition was published on 21 June. Distribution should be complete by 5 July.

The Editor Borough Life, FREEPOST NWW3502A, Wigan WN1 1XZ. Tel: 01942 827823 Email: boroughlife@wigan.gov.uk

The magazine is printed on paper from renewable resources. It is written and edited

by Wigan Council’s Media and Communications team, designed by Smith Davis Press and printed by PCP.

If you are a resident of Wigan Borough but haven’t had a copy of Borough Life delivered through your letterbox, please let us know.

Copies of individual articles may be available in other languages on request.

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

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

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Meet the right honourable

‘First’ on adoption unveiled

teenagers

WIGAN is one of three North-west councils who have teamed up to deliver a shared adoption service – the first of its kind in the country.

Wigan, Warrington, and St Helens councils have launched WWiSH to build bridges between children seeking adoption and people wishing to adopt.

The Ofsted-registered service will widen the choice for people seeking to adopt children – and speed up the local adoption process.

The new approach will also encourage more potential adoptive parents and give them better training and support.

It will increase the choice of placements offered to children by better matching their needs, provide better value for money and reduced costs through a more streamlined service.

Across the three boroughs there are approximately 1,050 children in local authority care. Last year, nationally the number of looked after children who were successfully adopted fell by five per cent. The average waiting time for a child in local authority care to be adopted is two years and seven months.

Wigan Council Cabinet Member for Children and Young People, Cllr Susan Loudon, said: “Adopting a child takes incredible responsibility but it is also a hugely rewarding, life-changing event.

“We feel sure that the new shared adoption service will give prospective adoptive parents the assurances they need to make contact and find out more. We are looking forward to working more closely with colleagues in St Helens and Warrington on this exciting project.”

■ To find out more visit www.wigan.gov.uk and search for ‘adoption’.

MEET Jilly McKiernan and Daniel Gilmore – Wigan’s new Members of Youth Parliament.

Jilly and Daniel represent the views of the borough’s young people not only locally and regionally, but also at a national level as part of the UK Youth Parliament.

Daniel, 18, from Wigan, attends Winstanley College and studies Maths, Further Maths, Physics and Geography.

He said: “This is a great opportunity to get involved and to help people. I am thrilled to have been elected.

Our main focus this year will be youth unemployment and I am very much looking forward to getting started.”

Jilly McKiernan, 17, from Ashton, studies Law, Biology and Photography at Carmel College. It is her second term as an MYP after being re-elected.

She said: “I have met so many great people and have been able to get involved with so much during the past few years, so I am really happy to be re-elected.

“I want to carry on with

BOROUGH LIFE Summer 2012

supporting the young people of Wigan Borough.”

They will be supported by their deputy, 18 year old Obi Oderinde from Wigan who studies Public Services at Wigan and Leigh College.

All three of the UKYP representatives have been involved with a host of youth groups, youth councils and focus groups to date as they are passionate about Wigan Borough.

The Members of Youth Parliament (MYPs) will act as any regular MP would, representing their constituents and taking the views of the borough’s young people to decision makers at a local, regional and national level.

Each year the

MYPs attend the annual sitting of the UK Youth Parliament, which will be held in Nottingham in July for 2012.

The UK Youth Parliament also attend an annual debate on the famous green benches of the House of Commons.

As part of their work, Jilly, Daniel and Obi will also accompany the borough’s Youth Cabinet to Angers in June to meet with their French Youth Council counterparts.

There they will discuss the findings of health questionnaires carried out in each town, compare the results and see what they can learn from one another.

To contact Jilly, Daniel or Obi or to find out about how to join your area’s Youth Council call Wigan Council’s Youth Service on 01942 486256.

£100k high street boost WIGAN Council has welcomed a cash injection of £100,000 aimed at high street regeneration. This is a boost on top of the Mary Portas Town Team project which the council is also bidding for funding from.

Chief Executive, Donna Hall, said: “Wigan has done comparatively well during the current economic difficulties.

“We have managed to maintain footfall in our

town centres but this funding will enable us to continue many existing schemes and develop new ideas to support our local economy.

“We’re particularly keen to focus on the role of young people in our economy.”

The government has accepted most of the recommendations of shopping guru Mary Portas in her review. They have

pledged to cut planning red tape and entice motorists to the town centre.

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Website to promote our talents DESIGNERS, artists, photographers, models, composers, singers… the list goes on.

Wigan Council is introducing the world to the wealth of talented people in our borough through the power of the World Wide Web. www.creativewigan.com is a new online directory which gives global access to the borough’s brightest stars across the range of creative, digital and media industries.

The aim of the website is to give local businesses and organisations the opportunity to find the right person for the job quickly and easily, as well as encouraging Wigan Borough based businesses to work with each other, rather than using businesses from outside of the area.

Creative Wigan is being backed by some high-profile local people including Shadow Secretary of State for Health and Leigh MP Andy Burnham and the maverick designer behind top bands Oasis and The Verve’s album covers Brian Cannon.

Wigan Council’s Deputy Leader, Cllr David Molyneux, says: “Wigan Borough has got plenty of local talent to celebrate and we want to let the world know.

“The creative industries are an exciting and growing sector and we want people from our borough to be at the forefront when it comes to bringing new business and opportunities to our borough.

“Creative Wigan will enable us to put businesses in touch with these skilled people, which supports our Buy Local campaign and helps strengthen our local economy.

“We’re looking forward to local talent beginning to shine thanks to Creative Wigan.”

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Rugby internationals hail

amazing facilities EIGH Sports Village has been hailed as “world class” by a top international coach whose rugby league team will visit the borough for next year’s world cup.

Tonga Rugby League Director of Operations Danny Ligairi-Badham took the tour of Leigh Sports Village – the home ground of the Leigh Centurions – to see what facilities will be on offer to his players when they make the 10,330 mile trip from their South Sea Island.

Dressed in the traditional Tongan Tupenu, Danny said: “I’m blown away.

“I’ve seen many of the venues that are going to be used as part of the tournament and this is the best by far.”

Tonga will clash with Scotland and Italy as part The tournament of the biggest will involve 14 nations: celebration of Rugby Australia, Cook Islands, League in the world.

England, Fiji, France, Ireland, Wigan Council Italy, New Zealand, Papua New along with partners Guinea, Samoa, Scotland, Tonga, Wigan Leisure and USA and Wales. The first games Culture Trust, LSV, and opening ceremony will Wigan Warriors and be played on Saturday Leigh Centurions, October 26 and the successfully bid to host final on Saturday Rugby some of the games during November 30.

League is next November’s competition. clear and Tonga will not only play at LSV but use its state-of-the-art once I’ve reported back to the boys I’m sure they’ll be training facilities to prepare eager to get here. It makes for their big match. me wish I was pulling my As part of the World Cup’s jersey on for the education programme, Wigan tournament.”

Borough schools could be The big man predicts a getting a visit from some of three way tussle for the top the Pacific giants, to talk honours in the championships about their island culture. with New Zealand, Australia “The welcome I’ve received and England all in with a has been fantastic,” said shout, but he added: “My job Danny. “The passion for

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Tonga Rugby League Director of Operations Danny Ligairi-Badham visits Leigh Sports Village.

is to get Tonga to the semi-finals and if we can get that far, who knows what will happen.”

Leigh Sports Village Chief Executive Simon Toon says: “Tonga is our adopted team and we’re really looking forward to welcoming them.

“It’s great to see international stars come here and appreciate what we have to offer. Danny’s really confirmed what we already know, Leigh Sports Village is a world class venue.”

Work ethic drives forward learning A new vision to create a state-of-the-art University Technical College (UTC) in Wigan is beginning to take shape.

Backed by Wigan based multi-millionaire businessman, Martin Ainscough, with support by sponsors at Wigan and Leigh College and the University of Central Lancashire (UCLan), the new Wigan UTC aims to blend modern day curriculums, a greater emphasis on work placement and state-of-the-art facilities.

The college’s work ethic will be reflected in the core hours with the UTC operating

business hours rather than school hours.

Aimed at 14 -19 year-olds, each student will have their own individual learning plan covering a full range of academic and vocational qualifications.

A site on New Market Street, near Wigan and Leigh College (Parson’s Walk), has been provisionally identified as a potential site for the UTC which will accommodate 500 students and is proposed to open in 2013.

■ To find out more visit the Wigan UTC website www.wiganutc.co.uk

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Roy Wood trains Guam wrestler Maria Dunn.

Top name trains wrestling hope SHE’S been all around the world: the USA, Morocco, Singapore, Beijing; but to train for the London games, Guam’s Maria Dunn came to Wigan.

Maria is training with Roy Wood at his Aspull Gym. She’s thrilled to be working with a wrestling legend. “It’s great to work with a top name,” she says. “Roy has welcomed me and helped me to a place in the 2012 Olympics.”

The wrestler is a celebrity in her Pacific island home and will be carrying her nation’s flag at the opening ceremony.

Maria, who also competed in the last Olympics in China, will be joined there by Roy, who achieves a lifetime ambition by coaching an Olympian.

“I have coached under 21s and rugby stars, but to lead an Olympian out in front of the world is superb,” says Roy. “Maria is the perfect professional, a dedicated athlete.”

Locally, Roy needs little introduction. But outside the close knit wrestling community, Wigan’s distinctive catch-as-catch-can discipline remains under many people’s radar. With a nomination last year for BBC Sports Personality, and having carried the Olympic Torch through Abram, Roy hopes to keep spreading the word.

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“Wrestling was one of the top sports in the ancient Olympic Games,” he adds. “Let’s make it one again.”

Maria started wrestling aged 11 after the Guam national team came to her school. “My PE teacher introduced me to the national coach,” she says. “I wanted a challenge so I watched and learned – but had to wrestle boys at school as I was the only girl.”

Maria was awarded a scholarship and attended Missouri Valley College where female wresting is a major part of sporting life. She agrees with Roy about it not being seen as mainstream: “America is a cult place for wrestling – it’s the main college sport, more than football or basketball. But there are still places where women’s wrestling is not allowed.”

Maria’s years of determination and Roy’s lifetime of experience got them there and hopefully medals will follow. “Maria’s trained so hard and thoroughly deserves this,” he says. “It’s been a pleasure to coach her.”

Flying the flag for Wigan.

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Hindley Scoutmaster Norman Brown, 59, carries the Torch through the town centre.

European and World medalist Jenny Meadows.

Jenny’s golden dream

RESIDENTS really put out the flags for the Olympic Convoy when the Torch came to town last month.

The route has been chosen by the London Organisers LOCOG and promoted heavily so people could choose their spot to enjoy the day. And choose they did, with huge crowds at all the key locations and a typically warm welcome from residents and community leaders – especially as the wet weather held off.

Leader of the council Lord Peter Smith met the first Torchbearer on Winwick Lane in Lowton. “We have a great tradition of sport and of course a reputation for friendly welcomes,” he said. “And we are proud to be a part of the route chosen by the London organisers.”

In Wigan, television presenter Kirsty Gallacher brought the Torch up Wallgate.

Kirsty’s Tweet on social media echoed many people’s experience of that day: “What fantastic warmth from the people of Wigan – what an experience!”

Lots of fun on the big day.

EUROPEAN and World medallist Jenny Meadows is hoping to be at the London Olympics.

“All these years Wigan has done me proud,” said the 800m star.

“There’s world class facilities at Robin Park. I never found Wigan hasn’t provided me with what I need.

“I also use all the local spaces, Haigh Hall, Worthington Lakes where I have a brilliant 1km loop which helps with my endurance, and I do quite a lot of runs around Ashton’s Viridor Woods.”

Jenny helped launch the publicity last year about the Olympic Torch route which the London organisers had selected through the streets from Lowton to Hindley.

She pays tribute to the community spirit of borough residents: “All the local people know me and sometimes if I am on a training session and I feel a little bit tired, someone only has to say to me, ‘Come on Jenny, bring that Gold back’, and all of a sudden I have a spring in my step – it’s really nice.”

Jenny added: “I love Wigan – people are down to earth and there’s a nice community feel.”

Type ‘Jenny Meadows Wigan’ into YouTube for a longer interview.

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Meeting all our health needs SIGNIFICANT changes are underway to both health and social care services in our borough.

HealthWatch will have key role in making sure that the voice of local people and the views of the people who actually use services are properly heard. It’s important for all of us that new arrangements for health and social care are easy to access and friendly and effective.

Clinical Commissioning Groups: CCGs are made up of local GPs and other health professionals.

They’ll be responsible for assessing local health needs and planning the right kinds of services that will work for local people.

Health & Wellbeing Boards: Members of the board will be drawn from the Clinical Commissioning Groups and HealthWatch (see above), local councillors as well as people responsible for running the services.

The main job of the board will be to develop a ‘health and wellbeing strategy’. To do this they will talk to patients and members of the public to understand more about what people expect from the services that are offered and how they can be improved.

Residents drive forward

CHANGE H EALTH and social care services in Wigan Borough are changing… and residents are being offered a new chance to help make the changes happen It’s part of a national initiative to give people who use health and social care services a greater say in how they are run.

It gives patients and service-users a direct role in helping to shape and improve the services we all benefit from.

It all starts next April when the borough’s new Local HealthWatch body will be up and running.

“HealthWatch will be a consumer champion for health and social care services,” explained Wigan Council’s Cabinet Member for Adults and Health, Cllr Keith Cunliffe.

“It will be an independent organisation that will provide an influential and effective voice for the general public in health and social care services. The aim of

HealthWatch will be to give citizens and communities a stronger voice to influence and challenge how health and social services are provided where they live.”

HealthWatch will continue much of the good work of the existing Local Involvement Network (LINk) but will have extra responsibilities and greater powers.

It will receive independent funding to employ its own staff to work with volunteers to improve health and social care services. All of its work will be public.

“Most importantly it will hold the borough’s health and social services to account,” said Cllr Cunliffe.

“It will act on the public’s behalf and have the power to investigate complaints, make recommendations that will help ensure that local people get the highest quality health and social care services.”

HealthWatch will have its own management Board made up of members from across the Borough – patients and public alike.

Campaign to reduce risk of ulcers

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HOSPITAL chiefs in Wigan have launched a cases of pressure ulcers by 85 per cent. Not campaign to raise awareness about only has this prevented patients from pressure ulcers and how to prevent them. suffering but it has also saved more than It is not a glamorous topic but pressure £400,000 a year. The Trust’s aim is to now ulcers are a very real problem. Often called eradicate the problem completely. bedsores, they can cause a lot of pain and Gill Harris, Deputy Chief Executive, WWL serious harm to patients. said: “I am personally passionate about and Wrightington, Wigan and Leigh committed to reducing preventable NHS Foundation Trust (WWL) is pressure ulcers across the whole of For more working with the national Your Wigan and this campaign gives information go to Turn campaign to tackle the us an excellent opportunity to the Your Turn website painful subject. really educate our community which has more In the last two years, about the risks of pressure information on pressure nurses at WWL have reduced ulcers and how to avoid them.” ulcers and their prevention. Visit: www.your-turn. org.uk BOROUGH LIFE Summer 2012

Early consultation work to seek local views on these new arrangements is now underway. The message coming across strongly is that local people feel passionately about the quality of services and want to be able to have their say on how things work.

That’s not always about making a complaint – it’s also about giving constructive feedback and opinion to help guide people responsible for running services.

HealthWatch will have a vital role to play in helping top plan and shape future services in the Borough as well as checking current arrangements.

A steering group has been set up to help support the introduction of the new system from April 21013.

If you want more information about what’s planned or you think you’d like to get involved directly then now is the time to get in touch: ■ For more information on HealthWatch visit: www.wigan.gov.uk/Services/ HealthSocialCare/Healthwatch ■ To find out more or to take part in the discussions please contact: Wigan Council’s People Directorate, PO Box 100,Wigan, WN1 3DS. ■ For more information on Wigan Clinical Commissioning Groups, you can visit: www.wiganboroughccg.nhs.uk ■ For more information on Wigan Local Involvement Network, you can visit: www.healthandcaretogether. co.uk

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Want to see regeneration in action? Then…

Before and after photos show how Renewal Area status has improved the built environment at Plank Lane in Leigh.

Walk the “Plank” N area of Leigh has been given a new lease of life thanks to a major council makeover.

Last year, leaders with Wigan Council decided that improvement works would start in the borough’s latest ‘Renewal Area’ along Plank Lane in Leigh.

Wigan Borough has already seen eight such renewal projects and the aim of each one is to improve the economy, environment, housing and the overall quality of life.

A decision was made to invest £750,000 on environmental and housing improvements along Plank Lane over several years. The work included resurfacing alleyways and giving homes

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a facelift through cleaning, re-building and replacing doors and windows.

Leader of Wigan Council Lord Peter Smith, local ward councillors and council officers reached an agreement with the Homes and Communities Agency (HCA) that it would fund the majority of the work. But this came with the condition that work be completed by March of this year.

“This was quite a challenge,” says Lord Smith. “But thanks to a great private sector housing team and some luck with the weather we have managed to see some quite dramatic changes to the area in a relatively short space of time.

Former bar is toast of new tenants Housing, Cllr Chris Ready, said: “The AT one time the chink of glasses would have been a familiar sound on end result is six stunning apartments Lord Street in Leigh. that meet the borough’s housing requirements.

But now residents are saying “They have helped six people get ‘cheers’ for a different reasons thanks good quality homes and maximised to the disused bar on the street being given a new lease of life as a set of the landlord’s returns.” affordable luxury flats.

One happy Lord Street tenant said: “I was living with family after moving The former Woodies bar on Lord out of my own property due to Street had lain empty for more than disrepair issues. There was a lot of two years before the landlord decided to turn the premises into flats. friction and I could only be there And thanks to a partnership on a short term basis.

“The council pointed between the owner, Wigan Council and social letting me in the direction of For more information Wigan Housing agency, Wigan Housing visit: www.wiganhs.org, Solutions the Lord Street Solutions. I think the www.wigan.gov.uk and service is brilliant. I flats are now fully search for ‘private sector have been placed in occupied. housing’ or contact the a really nice property Wigan Council’s Housing Strategy Team Cabinet Member for and I love it.” on 01942 489205 or 01942 489209.

“The work along Plank Lane was not only much-needed but it complements earlier improvements we have made in the nearby Firs, Heathside and Marsh Fields Renewal Areas.

“It is also in-keeping with the transformation of the old Bickershaw Colliery Site where 650 new homes will be built along with new opportunities for business and leisure activities.”

So what’s been going on along Plank Lane? Many of the homes are century-old terraced houses – much of the brickwork has either been re-built or cleaned and pointed, whilst roofs have been replaced and windows and doors repaired.

Homes have also been fitted with new double-glazing to reduce traffic and other noise on this busy route. Boundary walls have been re-built along with new iron gates and railings.

Drainage has been improved and many of the alleyways have been re-surfaced.

Security has been improved with the introduction of lockable ‘alley gates’ to those alleys where it was appropriate.

This has also stopped them from being used as ‘rat-runs’ by motorists.

As the pictures show, the results really do speak for themselves.

Lord Smith says: “We are delighted with the results of this makeover which has given this important area of our borough a fresh look.

“As a council we take pride in our borough. We believe that if we are to improve the local economy, make Wigan Borough an attractive place to invest and improve the opportunities available to our residents then we have to start by addressing quality of life issues. Plank Lane is a great example of this.”

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Apprenticeships pay off for Borough’s young people

N February, Wigan Council vowed to help more of the borough’s young people to get on that crucial first step on the jobs’ ladder by signing up to a national scheme to create more apprenticeship opportunities.

The council’s 100 in 100 campaign aimed to do exactly what it said on the tin – create 100 new apprenticeship posts for young people in our borough in 100 days.

No mean feat given the current economic climate and an increasingly fragile-looking jobs’ market, but that’s exactly why the council decided it was time to act.

Deputy Leader Cllr David Molyneux, who is the authority’s lead on the economy, explains: “Youth unemployment is high both nationally and locally which is why we are investing more resources in our young people to help them to access the new opportunities they need to succeed.

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“Unfortunately the old adage of needing experience to get a job, can often ring true, which is why an apprenticeship is a fantastic choice for a young person. It gives them the on-the-job training and experience they so desperately need. It also teaches the value of hard work and the rewards for a job well done.”

The council campaign saw the authority working with some of the borough’s biggest business names such as Martin Ainscough, chair of the Wigan Forward board, and Wigan Warriors’ Chief Executive Ian Lenagan, who acted as ambassadors, encouraging local firms to switch-on the benefits of taking an apprentice on.

More help came at budget time a month later when the authority committed an extra £100,000 to support the drive for young apprentices.

So has it paid off?

Well, with less than the 100 days gone the

council and its partners have smashed their own target! In the 16 to 18 year age group 128 new apprenticeships have been created and amongst the 25’s and over a staggering 278!

“It’s a fantastic start but there’s still much more to do,” said Cllr Molyneux.

“One of the biggest challenges facing British industry is closing the skills gap and this sort of on-the-job training is an ideal solution.

“Clearly many local employers are already realising the benefits of taking on an apprentice.

“It’s a great way to harness new talent and bring fresh ideas into your business.

“Our ultimate aim is an ambitious one but we would like to provide an apprenticeship opportunity to every young person in our borough who wants one and to see those apprenticeships grow into jobs.”

FIX-IT celebrates decade of training success THE car’s the star for one group of motormad young Wiganers who’ve used their keenly-honed mechanical skills to bring an ‘old-banger’ back to life.

Working with Wigan-based Fix It the group has lovingly restored this Suzuki motor to become a courtesy car for customers of their community garage and training company.

For nearly a decade, Wigan-based Fix It has trained 14-19 years olds in motor vehicle studies, giving vital skills, inspiration and hope to young people who don’t enjoy traditional classroombased learning.

“It’s a win/win situation for everybody,” explained Ian Tomlinson, Programme Director of Fix It. “Fix It provides the young people with an

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BOROUGH LIFE Summer 2012

opportunity to excel using a hands-on approach to learning rather than the academic route which does not suit everyone.

“At Fix It, they can learn at their own pace in a safe and secure environment where they receive encouragement and support to boost their confidence and improve their job prospects.”

But it isn’t just the students who gain from the scheme. Local people can also benefit from car maintenance and repairs which offer real value for money.

Fix It has opened a

community garage to generate additional income to keep the charity going.

Customers can have their cars serviced, repaired or prepared for the MOT, and use the courtesy car which has been painted by the students to look like a race car.

The project is also supported by Wigan Council and the Three Sisters racetrack.

Wigan Council’s Cabinet Member for Children and Young People, Cllr Susan Loudon, said: “By providing positive learning experience such as this one we can make a real difference to the lives of young people.”

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GOING FOR GOAL!: The Bedford High School Sports Apprentices in action. Pictured are Iain George, 19, Dayle Green, 18, Mike Hargreaves, 19, James Mahon, 19, Ben Bloodworth, 21, with Neil Gamewell and Venessa Shakespeare from Bedford High.

School gives learners a

SPORTING CHANCE HEN Neil Gamewell of Leighbased sports coaching company Active Synergy came on board with the council’s 100 in 100 campaign he ended up interviewing 118 hopeful young people... for just five apprenticeship posts.

The company entered into a pioneering partnership with Leigh’s Bedford High School to give young people the chance to shine as School Sports Apprentices.

The scheme sees the young people receive training and the chance to gain a qualification together with that allimportant experience of actually working in the field.

Neil, who is the programme manager for Active Synergy, explained: “We are working with the school to employ apprentices who will help with the delivery of PE and school sport. In this case our young apprentices are first working with the PE department at Bedford before going out to the school’s feeder primary schools.

“It’s a new approach in which the young people get a mixture of formal training and then the chance to put these skills into practise in the actual school environment.”

Active Synergy had already worked with a number of different schools using a similar model and were delighted when Bedford came on board.

“It’s fair to say its success has far exceeded our expectations and wherever

W

“”

“I’ve always been interested in sport and fitness so when I saw the advert I jumped at the chance.

“Sport and sports coaching are really important, particularly with children.

They can help to tackle things like poor health, get children active and help reduce problems like childhood obesity.

Wigan is well-known as being a sporting place so we could even be working with future football, rugby league stars or one of our apprentices has been even Olympic athletes!” appointed, it has led to them becoming And of course Bedford High, a college an integral part of the school of Business and Enterprise with Applied workforce,” said Neil. “Beyond the Learning, is also playing a key role. apprenticeship our learners will have Assistant Headteacher Venessa the option of pursuing careers as Shakespeare said: “We are really pleased teaching assistants or get jobs in the to be part of this great programme. sports and leisure industry.”

“We believe in giving young people The company is now planning to the chance to explore new opportunities expand the programme to include and we want to help them to reach their schools across the North West and some full potential. of the borough’s most high-profile sports “We also believe in supporting clubs, such as the Leigh local businesses so it’s Centurions, have also great to be working become involved. with a training company One of the If you are a young based in Leigh. successful Bedford person looking for an “Our students and apprentices, Ben apprenticeship opportunity or the pupils in our Bloodworth, 21, an employer keen to find out primary school believes the role is more about the benefits to your community will an all-important business of taking on a young benefit from some one. person, you can visit: great extra sports “It gives us a www.apprenticeships.org.uk coaching and we wish chance that To find out more about Active the young apprentices otherwise we may Synergy, you can visit: all the best for a bright not have got,” he www.activesynergy.org future.” said.

It’s a new approach in which the young people get a mixture of formal training and then the chance to put these skills into practise in the actual school environment.

BOROUGH LIFE Summer 2012

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Borough Life 12-13

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15:34

Mission is to help NOBODY should have to live on the streets in 2012.

That’s the mission of a new campaign to make sure that anyone who finds themselves sleeping rough will be offered support quickly to get into safe accommodation and on the road back to recovery.

Greater Manchester councils have teamed up with the Riverside housing group to provide a 24-hour phone line which can take referrals from any member of the public.

One local-rate call to 0345 112 8128 or an on-line referral via: www.riverside.org.uk/ns nogm ensures that a temporary place to stay and on-going support will be offered to a homeless person from any area.

Think of a name THERE’S still a bit of time to suggest a name for the brand new Saddle Junction relief road.

It’s now under construction and by the end of the year will be ready to take traffic out of the town centre towards Newtown.

We’ve had dozens of ideas from readers – including some impressive examples of local history and famous connections to the Pier area.

Many ideas are very similar to, or duplicate existing road names so it’s a good idea to flip through the A-Z because all new road names must be unique.

For full details, type ‘Saddle Name’ into the search box on: www.wigan.gov.uk

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BOROUGH LIFE Summer 2012

Page 1

All kinds of artists see green oasis as

INSPIRATION Wandered Lonely As A Cloud… For William Wordsworth, it was the inspiration of the Lake District that helped him create some of the most memorable poems in the language.

But there’s no need to head north on the M6 when the muse can be found right here in Wigan Borough.

The Greenheart Regional Park is just waiting for walkers, horse riders plus budding poets and photographers to enjoy our borough’s open spaces.

Earlier this year, the Greenheart board chose their favourite poems from verses penned by the public about the borough’s countryside.

Laura Taylor’s poem “A Northern Delight” begins: “Where once the foundries, mills and mines/scarred and scorched this earth/a landscape rises, built anew/a hope, a joy for all.”

Bethany Whittle’s poem speaks of the canal with “water like sweet wine that soothes the town’s soul”.

The winning entry, from lecturer Helen Kay, is printed in full here.

John O’Neill, chair of the Greenheart Board, said: “Two thirds of our borough is

I

IT’S ALL IN THE GREENHEART: Whether you’re out for a duck, walking the dog, watching the wildlife or snapping the scenery, Greenheart has it all!

competition. They want to see your nature pictures of the local area – but using inspiration from the poems in the Words Festival. Read them online at: www.visitgreenheart.com “Send us your high quality photos of nature,” added John.

“Flowers, wildlife, birds or countryside scenes from local areas showing areas like Wigan Flashes, Haigh Hall, Pennington Flash and Amberswood Common. The best will be used to promote our countryside next year.”

Email jpegs (under 1 megabyte file size) to: greenheartcalendar @wigan.gov.uk before 30th September with your name and the shot’s location (two entries For more inspiration, go max per person). to www.wigan.gov.uk and If your image is type ‘walking’ into the search chosen, we’ll ask box. The top item is a list of you for a higher health walks leaflets for you to resolution version download and take out for and send you two inspiring strolls around copies of the 2013 Bickershaw, Top Lock, Greenheart Borsdane Wood and many calendar. other local areas.

countryside. We worked closely with the organisers of this year’s Words Festival to celebrate Wigan’s unique countryside.

“We hope you all enjoy the winning poem.” John and the judges want to keep that gentle competitive spirit going and have a twist on last year’s photographic calendar

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Pennington Flash Plaster on a grazed landscape Stretches too small; at frayed edges Stoned scab, weeds weep.

A rash of thrown crumbs soothes the itch of circling ducks.

After the deep cut of mines, men crouch in hides and learn to merely watch swallows darn winter branches.

Gulls sew earth to water and both to air.

We lick ice creams, scan cold waves eroding the past.

Pulling a thin thread from the far shore, we take comfort in edges. They define futures.

No time yet for biblical floods.

Trees herd water in, hold out crowds, Heal the ground. We crunch flaking cones, leave, pacified as rehab visitors.

Helen Kay

Everything in this garden is blooming THEY started as the year began – and now their crops are bearing fruit, the hens are laying and the education programme has started.

But we don’t mean they just planted a few seeds, because the Worsley Hall Allotment Society began by digging the very first sod on a patch of empty ground in January. They now have a thriving community space with polytunnels, raised beds and a huge sense of pride.

Jack Atherton is vice chairman. At 87, he’s seen a lot of changes in the area, but the rapid transformation of the derelict garage site gives him a lot of pride. “We’ve done marvellous,” he says. “With funds from the Big Lottery’s Local Food grant scheme and the Esmee Fairbairn Foundation, it’s amazing to see what’s been achieved.”

The rubbish and brambles have gone, and the site has been transformed, with 12 private allotments, a car park, raised beds and a large community allotment with demonstration gardens, plus a pond and herb gardens. The grant means that Phil Swift is being employed as a tutor to deliver education sessions.

He’s working with other community groups to establish new allotments across the borough, including providing assistance with training, practical advice and securing funding. Phil laughs: “People say, ‘I’ve got a plot, what do I do with it?’ The answer is ‘lots’ and I’m here to help.”

The allotment is open to the public every weekday with education and play sessions for schools and nurseries. Plans are afoot to build a straw bale classroom and composting toilet this summer.

Chairman Norman Strickland pays tribute to the little group with the big ideas. “This site is for locals and the wider community,” says Norman. “We’re hoping that the Worsley Hall site will soon become one of many across the borough.”

The Conservation Volunteers are working with Groundwork and Wigan Leisure and Culture Trust to deliver a strategy for allotments similar to the Worsley Hall project. Log on to www.wiganallotmentnetwork.org.uk for advice and to register interest.

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Borough Life 14-15

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JUST THE TICKET! ERE’s a first glimpse of how a vital new transport link between Wigan Borough, Salford and Manchester city centre might look.

Preparations for the £68m busway are under way and transport officials have now released these visions of how it might look.

The 21km (13 mile) route will link Leigh, Tyldesley and Atherton with Salford and Manchester city centre. A 7km (4.3 mile) stretch between Leigh and Ellenbrook will be ‘guided’; this means that only specially adapted buses will be able to use it, avoiding other traffic.

The rest of the 14km (8.7 mile) route will run on normal roads but will use dedicated lanes for large sections of the route and have priority over other traffic at junctions. As a result it is anticipated that the busway will cut the travel time between Leigh and Manchester city centre to less than 45 minutes.

Leader of Wigan Council Lord Peter Smith says the busway will play a vital role in helping to boost the local economy and make Wigan Borough a more attractive place in which people can live and invest.

“The busway will give people from Wigan and Leigh quick and easy access to Salford and Manchester City Centre which means they can take advantage of a greater range of job opportunities,” says Cllr Smith. “With a major

H

An illustration of the Tyldesley Interchange. university en-route it also Manchester city centre means that people from our between Monday and borough will be able to access Saturday. a greater range of educational There will be at least four and training facilities. We also buses an hour to and from believe it should encourage Atherton which will join the further investment along the guided section at Tyldesley. route and support the This means a total of at least development of Leigh as a eight buses an hour from commercial and business between Tyldesley and centre.

Manchester at peak times.

“Don’t just take my word for There will be park and ride it,” adds Lord Smith. “An facilities at Leigh, Tyldesley independent study has ranked and Worsley, and stops on the the busway the third most guided section will be important of all such accessible to all, will schemes for its have shelters and economic be covered You can find out impact.”

by CCTV more about the busway Once the cameras. at the Transport for Greater busway is Areas Manchester website: complete, around www.tfgm.com/busway there will the route Alternatively, there is a team of be at will be people available to help with any least four improved questions you may have – you buses an with a can ring the project enquiry hour to path line on: 0300 123 1177 or and from alongside you can email: Leigh and the guided busway@tfgm.com

section for walkers and cyclists.

Transport for Greater Manchester, who are working with the council on the project, have already cleared some sections of the route and will continue to make preparations for the start of construction in 2013. This will help to ensure that the work has no impact on the local wildlife habitats.

It is expected that work on the ‘bus priority’ measures on the A580, which will always maintain at least two lanes for general traffic, will begin shortly and there may be some diversions in place in Tyldesley later this year or early next year.

The busway will be fully operational in 2015.

Lord Smith says: “Once a contractor is appointed later in the year I think we can expect to see the busway come to life quite rapidly.

“The Greater Manchester Combined Authority sees the busway as a priority because of the benefits it will bring to the community and the local economy.

“It is important that people in Wigan, Leigh and Tyldesley see this as their busway, something that will provide them with the potential to make the most of fantastic opportunities and will improve the areas where they live.

“Along with Transport for Greater Manchester we will continue to keep our residents informed and up to date with progress on this exciting scheme every step of the way.”

Part of the 21st century busway which will link Wigan Borough, Salford and Manchester.

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Borough Life 14-15

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POSITIVE SIGNS: Future Steps student Zosia Durrington at the training centre.

Stepping into work IT’S never too early to start thinking about a future career.

Which is why Wigan Council has introduced a new service that aims to get young people with a range of disabilities thinking about the direction they want to take from the age of 14.

But the new Future Steps service offers a lot more than advice, it’s all about changing your outlook, broadening your horizons and helping you to start planning your future.

Based at Leigh Sports Village, Future Steps can provide young people with help in getting qualifications, learning new skills, improving confidence and self-esteem, taking an active role in their

communities, find work experience and even getting a job.

The Future Steps Learning Centre has a fully accessible computer suite where young people can learn the basics of IT before being let loose on the worldwide web and fast-moving world of social networking.

The centre provides helps with literacy and numeracy and can even introduce young people to new social activities such as sports and social clubs and gyms.

Working with the council’s Supported Employment team, Future Steps can provide work placements for young people in a range of job roles from hair and beauty and sports and leisure

through to mechanics and health and social care.

The centre is also working closely with Wigan and Leigh College to provide access to a greater range of courses that could lead to all important qualifications.

Wigan Council’s Cabinet Member for Children and Young People, Cllr Susan Loudon, says: “Future Steps is a great new service that puts young people with disabilities firmly in the driving seat when it comes to deciding what path they want to take.

“When young people first come to the centre they sit down with a member of staff to decide what areas they need help with and what level of support will help them to achieve their goals. It’s also about helping young people to develop their characters by helping to build confidence and social “I love my work placement,” said Daniel. “I skills. One of its major have learnt so many new skills and it has aims is to make our young made me realise I would like to continue this people ‘work ready’, kind of work.” which is extremely Daniel’s mum Janet is equally thrilled with important in today’s her son’s progress. She said: “I have climate. been overwhelmed by the support “I would urge any and encouragement our family young people or has received from all the staff their parents To find out more at Future Steps. I would and carers who about Future Steps you recommend the service to are interested can visit the web pages: any parent with a child to get in www.wigan.gov.uk/ with a disability. It helps to touch and futuresteps email: further their life skills and find out more. futuresteps@wigan.gov.uk knowledge whilst It could be or call the centre on constantly supporting them.” the first step to 01942 487854. a bright future.”

Future Steps worked for Daniel Daniel Kerr, pictured, has been going to Future Steps for two months now and he’s enjoying learning new skills aimed at helping improve his independence.

With the support of his Future Steps worker he has been travelling independently and getting out and about in his local community.

He’s also experiencing the world of work with a placement at The Park Inn Hotel, Leigh.

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Protecting children from the perils of the Web

Partners cast the safety ‘Net’ HEN Jenny met a new boyfriend at school, she thought it was the real thing.

Five weeks into the relationship and everything was fine, they spent lots of time together and when they were apart they sent each other lots of texts.

The mobile phone was a great way of staying in touch – it was something that just they shared, that no-one else could see.

So when 15 year-old Jenny decided to send an intimate photograph of herself to her boyfriend’s phone, she intended it for his eyes only.

But a few weeks later when inevitably the flame of teenage infatuation began to wane, Jenny was in for a shock.

After breaking up, Jenny’s ex-boyfriend decided to share his ‘special’ photo with his friends. Pretty soon it was all around school.

The embarrassment was too much for the young girl to bear.

She was forced to take time off at a crucial moment in her school career. With exams looming large it could have serious consequences for her future plans.

W

FIND OUT MORE: There are a number of useful websites that can provide more information on all aspects of internet safety. A good starting place is the police online Safety Centre: www.ceop.police.uk/ safety-centre A good site for parents and carers is: www.thinkuknow.co.uk/ parents/ For tips on how to tackle cyber (or online) bullying visit Wigan Leisure and Culture Trust’s Linc Online pages: www.wlct.org/WLCT/youngpeople/bullying-top-tips-to-beatcyber-bullies.html

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BOROUGH LIFE Summer 2012

But that wasn’t all because once the photo had been shared; it just kept going. Soon it was on the internet and facebook and what started out as a secret moment suddenly had a global audience…

Jenny may not be the young girl’s real name but the traumatic events that unfolded are and worryingly it’s the kind of tale that’s becoming increasingly commonplace.

In Wigan, the council and other partners who make up the Wigan Safeguarding Children Board (WSCB), are trying to protect children and young people from the darker side of internet and mobile phone use.

The board’s business manager, Kath Vereycken, says: “Cases such as this are on the increase and the consequences can be much worse.

“Abuse over the internet and social networking sites and mobile phones is on the increase.”

The Wigan team is committed to tackling the scourge of child sexual exploitation and it’s a sign of the times that almost half of all the cases they deal with now involve a link with the

web, phones and social networking.

“Many of the cases we deal with involve young people being ‘groomed’ online,” says Kath. “Using internet chat rooms and social networking sites they think they are talking to people of their own age. Often the person they are talking with will suggest they meet up and it’s only when they do the young person realises that the other person is much older than them and they really only have one intention.”

The mobile phone version of grooming has earned the nick name ‘sexting’ – which gives you an indication of what it’s all about.

“Groomers can be very patient and sometimes may

have communicated with their intended victim for months before arranging to meet up,” says Kath.

“They know all about the different websites and chat rooms and use the same internet slang and abbreviations that young people do.

“They can send gifts and try to make the young person feel special.

“When we find evidence of this we work to support the young person and we will not hesitate to prosecute those who prey on young people but we believe the key to stopping this lies with educating children and their parents about the potential dangers and how to take precautions.”

PARENTS: what you can do INTERNET and mobile phone safety covers many things – bullying, contact from strangers, inappropriate or illegal images and websites.

“Whatever the risk may be, it is important that you understand how your child uses the internet,” said Kath Vereycken.

“The technology may seem daunting because things move so quickly but a few common-sense guidelines can really help.”

ASK: Take an interest in your child’s internet use. Ask them about the websites they use and what social activity they are engaged in. You can then visit these sites and spaces on your own to find out more about them.

PRIVACY PLEASE: The Internet is a very public global market-place, so photos you post on social sites like Facebook can easily be copied and pasted

elsewhere. Sites like this come with privacy settings that prevent anyone from seeing your content, get to know them and encourage your child to use them.

FRIENDS: People don’t always tell the truth online and can create fake identities. It is important that children understand this and learn not to trust virtual friends in the same way they would their actual friends.

PARENTAL CONTROLS: Web browsers, mobile phones and games consoles all come with controls that prevent children viewing inappropriate content.

These are often easy to set up but if you need help contact your internet provider.

TALK: Tell your child it’s ok to talk about what they see online or on their phone. By making it easy for them to communicate they are more likely to let you know if they have any concerns.

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Business event back for third year Caring service helps in difficult times

GOOD business is where you find it. And this autumn the best place to find more than 100 good local businesses will be the Wigan Business Expo Twenty12.

Wigan’s biggest gathering of local entrepreneurial talent is back for a third year and will take centre stage at the DW Stadium on Friday October 12.

The event, which runs from 8am until 3pm, offers access to some of the best business-brains in the North west through a programme of seminars.

There will be a chance to get connected with buyers from big companies and organisations –

BRIGHT FUTURE: Janet and Derek Green of DOC Solar at the Wigan Business Expo.

including Wigan Council. New to this year’s event is Meet the Experts – which offers a face-to-face encounter with some of the top minds in the fields of finance, procurement, legal, health and safety and creative.

Wigan Council’s deputy leader Cllr David Molyneux says: “Wigan has a thriving business community with a loyal local customer base in spite of today’s difficult economic climate.

“Since it was launched in 2010, the Expo has provided an excellent platform for borough business to network, showcase their services and has helped raise Wigan’s profile as one of the key business locations in the region.”

Stands for the event can be booked at: www.wigan businessexpo. co.uk

It worked for us!

HEN it comes to home grown business made new contacts and generated new business. success stories DOC Solar and The company is now looking forward to a bright Electrical is a shining example. future.

The company supplies and installs energy“We are offering our customers a range of saving solar panels to homes and businesses new renewable technologies,” says Janet. “We across the region. The firm began life in 2010 have also opened our own Education Centre and has installed more than 100 solar panel where you can learn all about the benefits of units. installing renewable energy The company, which has recently moved technologies.” into new premises at Wigan’s Cricket ■ If you would like to showcase Street Business Park, exhibited at the your business and exhibit at To keep up with all the Business Expo for the first time last the Expo, packages are latest Expo developments year. available from just £300. please join us on Facebook DOC’s Solar’s Director of The cost will cover (facebook.com/wigan Business Development Janet Green furniture, access to power businessexpo), Twitter says: “The response at last year’s and Wi-Fi, as well as your (@wiganexpo) and LinkedIn expo was tremendous. We will company logo on publicity (Search ‘Wigan Business Expo’). material and the definitely be exhibiting again this You can also visit the event’s year and hope to make many more opportunity to attend a official site at www.wigan contacts this year.” networking event on businessexpo.co.uk As a result of last year’s event DOC Thursday October 11.

W

WIGAN Council has launched a new service to help local people through the often difficult process of bereavement.

Tell Us Once is a national initiative that supports those who are recently bereaved by informing all those agencies that need to know about the death, at the same time.

Previously a person would have to notify up to 28 individual organisations and departments about the death. But now Council Tax, the DVLA, the Passport Service, Electoral Registration and many more will all be informed at the same time.

The service is offered via the Registrar when a death is registered and the council will contact the necessary services and departments.

Wigan Council’s Chief Executive Donna Hall said: “’Tell Us Once’ provides a simple, yet invaluable service to those going through bereavement.

“The new service reduces contact with the government to just one occasion, reliving pressure at one of the most difficult times of their lives.”

To find out more about this service please visit www.wigan.gov.uk and search for ‘Tell us Once’.

BOROUGH LIFE Summer 2012

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Borough Life 18-19

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KNOW YOUR COUNCILLOR COUNCILLORS are elected to represent their communities and are here to help you with any local issues you may want to raise. Three councillors represent each of Wigan’s 25 wards, and a picture of each appears along with their phone number and email address. Currently there are 63 Labour members, seven Independents, two Liberal Democrats, two Standish Independents and one Conservative.

ABRAM

Contacting your councillor Councillors hold regular surgeries where you can discuss matters in confidence.

Surgery details are published on our website at: www.wigan.gov.uk Your councillors can also be contacted directly by phone or email*

Martyn Smethurst (Lab) Tel: 01942 205255

Eunice Smethurst (Lab) Tel: 01942 736228

Carl Sweeney (Lab) Tel: 01942 864328

M.Smethurst@wigan.gov.uk E.Smethurst@wigan.gov.uk C.Sweeney@wigan.gov.uk

ASHTON

ASPULL-NEW SPRINGS-WHELLEY

Nigel Ash (Lab) Tel: 01942 736216

Joel Haddley (Lab) Tel: 01942 487689

Bill Clarke (Lab) Tel: 01942 487673

Ron Conway (Lab) Tel: 01942 486853

John Hilton (Lab) Tel: 01942 736215

Chris Ready (Lab) Tel: 01942 736218

N.Ash@wigan.gov.uk

J.Haddley@wigan.gov.uk

B.Clarke@wigan.gov.uk

R.Conway@wigan.gov.uk

J.Hilton@wigan.gov.uk

C.Ready@wigan.gov.uk

ATHERLEIGH

ASTLEY-MOSLEY COMMON

Brendan Bowen (Lab) Tel: 01942 873773

Joanne Platt (Lab) Tel: 01942 487672

Barry Taylor (Lab) Tel: 01942 486854

Mark Aldred (Lab) Tel: 01942 894262

Susan Loudon (Lab) Tel: 01942 897240

Pam Stewart (Lab) Tel: 01942 486855

B.Bowen@wigan.gov.uk

Joanne.Platt@wigan.gov.uk

B.Taylor@wigan.gov.uk

M.Aldred@wigan.gov.uk

S.Loudon@wigan.gov.uk

P.Stewart@wigan.gov.uk

ATHERTON

BRYN

Karen Aldred (Lab) Tel: 01942 894262

Norman Bradbury (Ind) Tel: 01942 895671

Jamie Hodgkinson (Ind) Tel: 01942 487679

K.Aldred@wigan.gov.uk

N.Bradbury@wigan.gov.uk

Jamie.Hodgkinson@wigan.gov.uk

J.Birch@wigan.gov.uk

Mike Dewhurst (Lab) Tel: 01942 736247

Ann Rampling (Lab) Tel: 01942 486856

Don.Hodgkinson@wigan.gov.uk A.Rampling@wigan.gov.uk

Gary Wilkes (Ind) Tel: 01942 736478 G.Wilkes@wigan.gov.uk

GOLBORNE AND LOWTON WEST

DOUGLAS

Joy Birch (Lab) Tel: 01942 736233

Don Hodgkinson (Ind) Tel: 01942 776252

Shirley Dewhurst (Lab) Tel: 01942 736247

M.Dewhurst@wigan.gov.uk Shirley.Dewhurst@wigan.gov.uk

Ged Bretherton (Lab) Tel: 01942 736232

Stuart Keane (Lab) Tel: 01942 487683

Yvonne Klieve (Lab) Tel: 01942 275808

G.Bretherton@wigan.gov.uk

S.Keane@wigan.gov.uk

Y.Klieve@wigan.gov.uk

HINDLEY

HINDLEY GREEN

Jim Churton (Lab) Tel: 01942 522734

Jim Ellis (Ind) Tel: 01942 736258

James Talbot (Lab) Tel: 01942 736256

Bob Brierley (Ind) Tel: 01942 736259

Frank Carmichael (Ind) Tel: 01942 487687

Kier Stitt (Lab) Tel: 01942 486857

J.Eccles-Churton@wigan.gov.uk

James.Ellis@wigan.gov.uk

J.Talbot@wigan.gov.uk

R.Brierley@wigan.gov.uk

F.Carmichael@wigan.gov.uk

K.Stitt@wigan.gov.uk

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BOROUGH LIFE Summer 2012

*Please note this edition of Borough Life has gone to press before all the new councillors phone numbers may be in operation. This process will be completed by mid-June.

Borough Life 18-19

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LEIGH EAST

INCE

Janice Sharratt (Lab) Tel: 01942 487682

David Molyneux (Lab) Tel: 01942 495083

Jim Moodie (Lab) Tel: 01942 776184

Anita Thorpe (Lab) Tel: 01942 487681

Keith Cunliffe (Lab) Tel: 01942 736251

Fred Walker (Lab) Tel: 01942 897278

J.Sharratt@wigan.gov.uk

D.Molyneux@wigan.gov.uk

J.Moodie@wigan.gov.uk

A.Thorpe@wigan.gov.uk

K.Cunliffe@wigan.gov.uk

F.Walker@wigan.gov.uk

LEIGH WEST

LEIGH SOUTH

Kevin Anderson (Lab) Tel: 01942 736250

John O’Brien (Lab) Tel: 01942 677148

Charles Rigby (Lab) Tel: 01942 736206

Susan Greensmith (Lab) Tel: 01942 736204

Peter Smith (Lab) Tel: 01942 604496

Myra Whiteside (Lab) Tel: 01942 776273

K.Anderson@wigan.gov.uk

J.O’Brien@wigan.gov.uk

C.Rigby@wigan.gov.uk

S.Greensmith@wigan.gov.uk

P.Smith@wigan.gov.uk

M.Whiteside@wigan.gov.uk

ORRELL

LOWTON EAST

James Grundy (Con) Tel: 01942 601488

James Cowley (Lab) Tel: 01942 486858

Pam Gilligan (Lab) Tel: 01942 487680

James.Grundy@wigan.gov.uk

J.Cowley@wigan.gov.uk

P.Gilligan@wigan.gov.uk

PEMBERTON

Kelly Ready (Lab) Tel: 01942 487675

David Arrowsmith (Lab) Tel: 01942 486859

Stephen Murphy (Lab) Tel: 01942 487688

Kelly.Ready@wigan.gov.uk D.Arrowsmith@wigan.gov.uk Stephen.Murphy@wigan.gov.uk

SHEVINGTON WITH LOWER GROUND

Barbara Bourne (Lab) Tel: 01942 736235

Jeanette Prescott (Lab) Tel: 01942 736242

Paul Prescott (Lab) Tel: 01942 736242

Mike Crosby (Lab) Tel: 01942 486860

B.Bourne@wigan.gov.uk

J.Prescott@wigan.gov.uk

Paul.Prescott@wigan.gov.uk

M.Crosby@wigan.gov.uk

STANDISH WITH LANGTREE

Paul Collins (Lab) Tel: 01942 487684

Damian Edwardson (Lab) Tel: 01942 487674

Paul.Collins@wigan.gov.uk D.Edwardson@wigan.gov.uk

TYLDESLEY

Picture not available at time of going to press

Gareth Fairhurst (Standish Ind) George Fairhurst (Standish Ind) Emma McGurrin (Lab) Tel: 0845 900 2882 Tel: 01257 407078 Tel: 01942 486861 Gareth.Fairhurst@wigan.gov.uk George.Fairhurst@wigan.gov.uk

E.McGurrin@wigan.gov.uk

Robert Bleakley (Lib Dem) Tel: 01942 897560

Paul Valentine (Lib Dem) Tel: 01942 486862

Stephen Hellier (Lab) Tel: 01942 896616

R.Bleakley@wigan.gov.uk

P.Valentine@wigan.gov.uk

S.Hellier@wigan.gov.uk

WIGAN WEST

WIGAN CENTRAL

Lol Hunt (Lab) Tel: 07766 478296 L.Hunt@wigan.gov.uk

George Davies (Lab) Tel: 01942 486864

Michael McLoughlin (Lab) Tel: 01942 487686

George.Davies@wigan.gov.uk M.McLoughlin@wigan.gov.uk

WINSTANLEY

Steve Dawber (Lab) Tel: 01942 776281

Phyll Cullen (Lab) Tel: 01942 736257

Terence Halliwell (Lab) Tel: 01695 628386

Steve.Dawber@wigan.gov.uk

P.Cullen@wigan.gov.uk

T.Halliwell@wigan.gov.uk

WORSLEY MESNES

Phil Kenny (Lab) Tel: 01942 487677

Clive Morgan (Lab) Tel: 01942 486880

Rona Winkworth (Lab) Tel: 01942 736229

Phil Kelly (Lab) Tel: 01942 487678

Lynne Holland (Lab) Tel: 01942 736255

Billy Rotherham (Lab) Tel: 01942 495091

P.Kenny@wigan.gov.uk

C.Morgan@wigan.gov.uk

R.Winkworth@wigan.gov.uk

P.Kelly@wigan.gov.uk

P.Holland@wigan.gov.uk

W.Rotherham@wigan.gov.uk

BOROUGH LIFE Summer 2012

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Borough Life 20-21

15/6/12

10:48

he new Mayor of Wigan Borough holds two things dear to her heart – hard work and the benefits that only education can bring.

In becoming this year’s first citizen, Leigh West councillor Myra Whiteside has already made history – she is the first woman ever from Leigh to hold the borough’s highest civic office and she’s rightly proud of it.

It’s a remarkable achievement for the Leigh lass who left school at 15 with no formal qualifications and entered her early 20’s as a single mum during an era when opportunities for women in the workplace were considerably more limited than they are today.

A past-pupil of Hesketh Fletcher Girls School, Cllr Whiteside has spent her life living in Leigh and Atherton apart from a 20-month stint in the Yemeni seaport of Aden as part of her RAF father’s overseas posting.

Her time in the Middle East meant she missed the then typical induction into working life in Leigh with a job at one of the town’s cotton mills.

“I came from a cotton family,” she said. “All my family had worked in the mills and it was the accepted thing to do. You left school on the Friday and started at the mill on the Monday. It was too late for me when I came back to Leigh, so I had to find something else to do.”

On her return, Myra’s first foray into the world of work was a stint as a shop assistant at popular milliners Rachelle’s from here she moved to another Leigh institution – Ward and Goldstones.

Cllr Whiteside’s grandmother helped to take

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Page 1

Pride of the First Lady

OF LEIGH

The Mayor of Wigan, Councillor Myra Whiteside and her Consort, Mr John Hurst. care of her two young children, Colin and Lorraine.

She said: “Thanks to her I was able to continue to try and improve my prospects.

“I had always realised how important a good education was but at that point I had no skills or qualifications at all. I had always been keen on administration so really wanted to pursue this.”

So when a friend suggested she ‘signed on at the ‘Tec’,

there was hesitation.

First came five ‘O’ Levels then an Ordinary National Diploma in Business Studies.

This enabled her to further her studies at Bolton College, where she eventually gained her Higher National Diploma.

She was pleased her hard work paid off when, having finished her studies, Cllr Whiteside got the job she was hoping for at

Mayor dances to fitness REGULAR gym trips coupled with a weekly ‘hoedown’ make sure Cllr Whiteside is ‘fit’ to be the Mayor.

For the past 15 years she has enjoyed weekly linedancing session and attends East Leigh Labour Club and the Rose Club, Hindley.

Cllr Whiteside has chosen to support the work of Wigan and Leigh Pensioners Link through her Mayoral Charity during her year of office. From its base at Allan To find out more Taylor House, Charles Street, Leigh, about supporting Cllr Wigan and Leigh Pensioners Link provides Whiteside’s charity a range of services for older people, appeal visit Wigan including drop-in activities and exercise classes, Council’s website: art classes, holistic therapy sessions and regular www.wigan.gov.uk Coffee Club social gatherings. and search for ‘Mayoralty’.

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another much-loved Leigh institution, the Post Office on Silk Street.

It was an organisation she would work for over the next 25 years, rising through the ranks as she went.

Eventually Cllr Whiteside was moved to the main office in Bolton and it was here that she was asked to become the an administration representative for the Communication Workers’ Union (CWU). Taking to the role Myra soon found herself an area representative covering the North West of England.

“I strongly believed in helping and fighting for the rights of working people. This was a good chance to put those principles into practise,” she added.

It was through her role with the union that she became involved with local politics in her home town and was asked to stand as a candidate in a by election in 2002, becoming the new people’s representative for the Leigh West Ward.

During that time she has served the council in various high-profile positions including chair of the Overview and Scrutiny Panel and Leigh Town Centre Management Committee. She is also a member of the Wigan and Leigh Housing Board.

But it is helping out in the town she loves where she is most at home.

“I became involved with local politics to help others and that’s what I love doing the most,” she said.

“I am really proud and honoured to have been named Mayor of the Borough of Wigan and I intend to make it a very special year. After that I intend to serve my ward, the council and the town of Leigh for as long as I can.”

Borough Life 20-21

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Help for when the noise annoys

Helping residents

BEAT THE COWBOYS

A council-backed service that provides older The team can even draw up a schedule that people with access to trusted workers to help will tell your builder exactly what to do. They with home repair and DIY jobs has been can also help directly with many repair jobs hailed as ‘excellent’. from dripping taps to broken gates at a small The Wigan Borough Care and Repair cost of £15 per visit, plus the cost of any Service has received an ‘Excellence in materials.

Commissioning Home Improvement Care and Repair began life in To find out more Agency Services’ Award for its Wigan Borough just over a year about Care and Repair ago and now has more than 100 outstanding contribution to the community. you can visit the website: regular clients on its books.

Part of the larger Manchester The service was presented www.careandrepairCare and Repair, the service is with its award by Leigh MP and wigan.org.uk or call based at Pennyhurst Mill in Wigan Shadow Secretary of State for the service on and sends a team of skilled workers Health Andy Burnham.

01942 239360. to homes all over the borough.

Mr Burnham said: “We need to The service offers free expert advice get word out about this service which that can help with everything from what to provides that key ‘little bit of help’ to our do to stop those small repair jobs from getting older residents. This service helps reduce the worse, right through to choosing a builder and isolation of older people with practical how to avoid the cowboys. assistance.”

Summer safety campaign launched A summer campaign which Police and various encourages young people to community groups. stay safe and out of trouble As well as signposting whilst having fun over the youngsters to positive school holiday period is activities, the campaign back. also gets them to safe4summer encourages consider some of the young people to think about issues that are important the impact of antisocial to them, from healthy behaviour, as well as the eating and alcohol dangers of starting deliberate consumption to sex fires or the effects of making education and bullying. hoax calls to the emergency And it encourages services. young people to check The project is a out things to do – from partnership between learning new skills to Greater Manchester taking part in a raft Fire & Rescue of free sports, Service, Wigan activities and For more Council, Greater volunteering information, visit: Manchester opportunities. www.wigan. gov.uk/safe4 summer

WIGAN Council and its partners have pledged to help people suffering with the worst noisy neighbours.

In one case in the Borough, a woman was subjected to more than eight years of antisocial behaviour by a raucous neighbour who regularly shouted verbal abuse and played loud music into the early hours of the morning.

This bad neighbour was recently handed an Antisocial Behaviour Order for two years, stopping them from using abusive, aggressive or insulting language or behaviour.

And if they don’t abide by these rules, they could face prosecution.

It’s a positive outcome but it still came at a cost – years of heartache for the person on the receiving end.

In this case, the victim was unaware of the support available to those who live in fear of this type of intimidation and harassment.

So what can you do if you’re the victim of a nuisance neighbour? ● For advice and help with unacceptable levels of neighbour noise, members of the public can call the council’s Environmental Protection Team on 01942 827110 for Wigan and 01942 733349 for Leigh. ● Council tenants should contact Wigan & Leigh Housing on 01942 705040. ● You can report antisocial behaviour by calling 01942 404364.

BOROUGH LIFE Summer 2012

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Borough Life 22–23

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10:49

Facilities a big hit with the public THE Life Centre has wowed the experts but its already proved to be a big hit with the people of Wigan Borough.

Latest figures show that since opening, more than 100,000 have been through the doors of the Healthy Living Zone for a swim, more than 78,000 have used the gym, 19,000 have let off steam in the sauna whilst more than 12,000 have banded together for group fitness. In fact, the number of people using leisure services offered at the Life Centre has increased by 10 per cent each month.

There are 22 local schools using the facility alongside both Wigan swimming teams.

On the other side of the town hall the Community and Learning Zone, which opened to the public in January, has seen more than 21,160 people visit the site to use the library or the host of public, voluntary and community services on offer.

The new ways of working at the Life Centre means that people get the help they need quickly. For example, more than 88 per cent of people who have a query about benefits get an answer immediately or within 24 hours. Customer satisfaction is running at 99 per cent – beating the target the council set itself of 90 per cent.

Leader of Wigan Council, Lord Peter Smith, said: “The Life Centre has given our borough a new civic heart and is already proving to be the catalyst to revitalising the town centre and modernising the link between the council and the people it serves.

“We are delighted that the project has been recognised with such a major industry-leading award. Just as important is the number of people who are using the Life Centre, getting the help they need quickly to take the steps to improve their lives and the opportunities available to them.”

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BOROUGH LIFE Summer 2012

Page 1

AND THE WINNER IS… THE WIGAN LIFE CENTRE

TOP DOG AT THE

‘OSCARS’ W IGAN Borough’s groundbreaking public services ‘hub’ The Wigan Life Centre, has been hailed as the best in the North West in the region’s annual property ‘Oscars’ awards.

The twin buildings either side of Wigan Town Hall has received the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) prize for the best ‘Regeneration’ project anywhere in the North West this year.

RICS judges toured the Life Centre complex earlier this year to find out more about the project and the effect it has had on local people.

They were looking for the reasons behind the creation of the Life Centre, what problems it has helped to overcome and what the long-term benefits will be.

The Life Centre battled it out against 39 of the North West’s

most impressive property projects to pick up the award.

The Regeneration award went to Wigan Life Centre for what the judges described as one of the most ambitious council projects ever undertaken in the country. Developed in response to local residents wanting improved access to public services, the £200million one-stop shop has brought much-needed jobs and investment into the town and features three zones – Healthy Living, Information and Learning and Neighbourhoods, where residents can get access to a wide range of amenities and services.

Facilities include a stateof-the-art health and fitness suite with swimming pools and a comprehensive library with

computers and learning areas.

RICS judges said Wigan Life Centre offers all the public services you depend on in a modern, friendly environment – making life easier and more enjoyable for residents.

Jane Thompson, Chairman of the RICS regional judging panel said: “Wigan Life Centre is an outstanding example of regeneration which illustrates the talent and skills of our region’s property professionals.”

The Life Centre now goes forward to represent Wigan Borough in the national version of the RICS awards which will be held in September.

Borough Life 22–23

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WINNERS ALL: Latics and ladies together, pictured are (back row) Amy Garratt , Lindsey Winstanley, Rachael Taylor, Maynor Figueroa, Adrian Lopez, Antolin Alcaraz, Mohamed Diame, Michelle Hunt, Jane Jackson. (front): Charlotte Moss, Holly Flynn, Danielle Brookwell, Katie Greenhalgh and Alex Bradshaw.

Latics lend a hand PLAYERS from the Premiership club recently met with members of Wigan Athletic Ladies Football Club, adding their own endorsement to the campaign.

Local teacher, Rachael Taylor has played for Wigan Athletics Ladies FC for twelve years. She says: “There are too many examples of young girls being subjected to some form of domestic abuse in their relationships, and it's not acceptable.

“There is help available, confidential advice and practical support, so don't be afraid or ashamed to ask. There is hope, and life really can change for the better.”

Setting the goal for a

Useful contacts:

safer summer

For more information about services available to help stop domestic abuse, call: 0161 636 7525 or visit: www.endthefear.co.uk

HIS year promises a legendary summer of sport! As fans of the beautiful game wait to see who lifts the UEFA Euro 2012 trophy, racquet addicts watch in anticipation to see if the reigning champions successfully defend their Wimbledon titles.

Meanwhile, the London 2012 Olympics is sure to keep us glued to our sets as we cheer Team GB on.

But whilst sport can bring communities together, it can also generate passionate rivalry and worse, adrenalin-fuelled violence.

Adding alcohol into the mix makes for an even more potent combination.

Sadly, it’s a cocktail which is often associated with a sharp increase in incidents of domestic abuse.

That’s why community safety chiefs, charities and third sector organisations across the borough have been gearing themselves up to tackle the anticipated rise in hospital admissions, emergency service call-outs and referrals to specialists.

Hard-hitting posters will be displayed in public buildings, doctors’ surgeries and licensed premises urging domestic abuse victims, their friends and families, as well as those committing abuse, to seek help over the summer.

Chief Superintendent Shaun Donnellan of Greater Manchester Police (Wigan Division)

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said: “Competitive tension and increased alcohol consumption can provoke abuse and violence within the home.

“We urge victims, their friends and families not to wait, but to seek help and advice immediately before the abuse escalates. As partners, we will ensure that specialist domestic abuse services are available to all those regardless of gender, as well as to children and young people.

“Support services are also available for offenders to seek help, but if they choose to become violent or abusive then action will be taken to bring them to justice.

“Our priority is to protect victims and children.”

Cllr Kevin Anderson, cabinet portfolio holder for safer neighbourhoods, added: “By supporting this campaign, we are sending a clear message to perpetrators that domestic abuse is not acceptable under any circumstances.

“There are no excuses. Offenders will be held accountable for their actions and made to face the consequences. We also hope the campaign reminds victims that they are not alone.

“There are local services which offer compassionate, practical and confidential advice designed to help them find courage, move forward and rebuild their life. Please don’t suffer in silence.”

Childline: 0800 1111 www.childline.org.uk Free national helpline for Children and Young People in danger or distress.

Victim Support: 0845 30 30 900 DIAS: 01942 495230 WAVE: 01942 262270 National Stalking Helpline: 0808 802 0300 advice@stalkinghelpline.org Honour Network Helpline: 0800 5999 247 Freephone 24 Hour National Domestic Violence Helpline: 0808 2000 247 womensaid.org.uk Broken Rainbow 0300 999 5428 brokenrainbow.org.uk Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender.

Those committing abuse can also get help to stop by contacting the Respect phoneline: 0845 122 8609. In the event of an emergency please dial 999.

BOROUGH LIFE Summer 2012

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Borough Life 24-25

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What goes where?

BLUE BIN: cardboard, clean brown cardboard, cartons (such as Tetrapak), long life milk cartons, office paper, junk mail, catalogues, brochures and directories, newspapers and magazines, envelopes, greeting cards (without glitter), kitchen and toilet roll inner tubes.

BROWN BIN: Cans, tins and aerosols, glass bottles, glass jars, plastic bottles, yoghurt pots, household plastic pots, and tubs, clean plant pots only.

GREEN BIN: Grass, leaves, twigs, small branches (less than 15cm diameter), weeds, food waste (once you’ve received a leaflet and your collection calendar), cardboard, soil.

BLACK BIN: anything you throw in here will not be recycled but will be sent for costly disposal. Please only put things that can’t be recycled in your black bin. No banned items. These can be found at: www.wigancouncil.gov.uk/ recycling

It’s time to join Wigan’s

RECYCLING REVOLUTION P UT the date Monday September 3 in your diary now! Why? Because that’s when Wigan Borough Recycling Revolution officially begins.

Although many people in the borough are already eco-friendly and waste-conscious, Monday September 3 marks the launch of Wigan Council’s new bin collection arrangements which puts recycling right at the very top of the agenda.

Most households in the borough will now have the new food waste collection service along with blue and brown bins.

The council is now collecting food and garden waste all year round to help residents slim their bin and improve the borough’s composting rate.

The big change will be that your black bin will be emptied every other week. The

black bin is for rubbish that cannot be recycled and is sent off for treatment or disposal. It’s costly, it hurts the environment and it’s no longer an option for the future.

Wigan Council’s Cabinet Member for the Environment, Cllr Kevin Anderson, said: “Over the past decade the amount of rubbish collected from black bins has fallen by a third, whilst the amount we recycle has risen by 35 per cent, so we’re already doing really well.

“Residents in our borough realise the importance of recycling and we want to make it even easier for them to do this.

“We believe our new collection regime will help us all to achieve our target of ensuring that half of all the waste we produce is recycled by 2020.”

So, how’s it going to work?

It’s simple really – the current arrangements see your green and brown bins emptied once a fortnight and the blue bin (or paper sack) emptied once every four week.

“The only real changes are that you will be able to dispose of almost all your food waste in your green bin, and the black bin will now be emptied every other week as well,” said Cllr Anderson.

“We appreciate that this change will take a little getting used to but it should actually make things easier in the longterm by minimising the number of bins you have to put out each week and reducing the number of bins that clutter up the pavements on collection day.

Officers will be on hand to advise in run up to the IN the run-up to September’s Recycling Revolution, a council task force will be on hand to help.

Officers from Neighbourhood Teams will be making sure all households know what goes in each bin, and how to follow simple rules that make sure they are managing their waste properly.

The education teams will also be visiting streets where some residents are not managing their waste properly. For example, where bins are left out between collection, where wheelie bin fires occur and escaped waste is causing problems for the community.

Sally Wolstencroft, Head of Safer, Cleaner, Greener Neighbourhoods, explained:“We’ve introduced a range of new recycling services now, and they are

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proving very popular with most residents.

However some residents are confused about what can go in each bin. When this confusion leads to contamination the cost to the council and the tax payer is very high indeed.

“Some residents are also causing problems for themselves and their neighbours. We understand there are quite a few different bins to manage. So we are offering different solutions – small bins and sacks for the paper collection, to make sure everyone has a solution that meets their household’s needs.”

Waste and recycling rules are based on the law and also help to make sure that bin collection day goes without a hitch.

They are printed on waste and recycling calendars and can be viewed on the

council’s web-site. The main things to remember are: ● Put your bin(s) out on the correct collection day by 7am ● Take them back in between collections ● Don’t put out any extra waste at the side of your bins ● Make sure your bin lids are closed ● Make sure your bins are not too heavy ● Put the right things in the right coloured bin Problems will be logged by crews and education officers – and households who regularly break the rules are likely to get a visit. If they keep doing the wrong things and ignore advice a formal Notice would be issued. If all else fails and the resident’s actions are causing a nuisance to others, enforcement action will be considered.

Borough Life 24-25

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FAMILY VALUES: recycling is a way of life for Rachel, Chris and Leo Heaton.

Residents are being urged to try home composting, and food recycling.

“In the future it’s a question of remembering that one week you will put out your green and brown bin, whilst the next week it will be just your black bin or your black and blue bins, depending on the week.”

Remember – Green and Brown, then Black and Blue (every four weeks). “If you’re still unsure the council’s website has all the information you need,” said Cllr Anderson.

Over the next few pages we will be looking at the whole waste and recycling issue in more detail…

he big switch Ms Wolstencroft added: “The enthusiasm and support of most residents has been brilliant – and we are recycling more than ever.

“In the run-up to September – and beyond – our Neighbourhood Team education officers will be out and about working with collection crews to identify problems and work with households to resolve them.

“We want to stress that the role of the officers will be to educate and advise residents, not to impose sanctions.”

Don’t mix it...

USE THE RIGHT BINS!

Family affair as Heatons rise to recycling challenge MEET the Heatons… they may be the very model of a typical Wigan Borough family, but the Heatons and others like them are helping to build a brighter future for our borough thanks to their shared passion for recycling.

The Heatons, from Pennington in Leigh, admit that they create their fair share of waste each week, just as you would expect of any young family.

But dad Chris, 33, mum Rachael, 30 and son Leo, three, are determined to make a difference by making sure that the vast majority of the waste they produce does not go to a huge hole in the ground.

With a full complement of bins (black, brown, green and blue) as well as the handy caddy for recycling food waste, the Heatons are armed with everything they need to meet the challenges of the council’s new collection schedule.

Oh, and probably the most important aspect of recycling for the Heatons is that it actually makes life easier.

Mum Rachael explains: “We have the four bins for different waste and the chart to tell us what type of waste goes in which bin and that’s it. It couldn’t be simpler! The different bins make it easy for us to manage our waste and it gives us more room without having to overload our black bin.”

By doing this the family reckon that now at least 80 per cent of the household waste they produce each week is recycled.

“It’s much better,” says dad Chris. “Now we can easily go for three weeks without having to put our black bin out. We use all our bins and it gives us a great feeling to know that what we throw away is being recycled and given a new lease of life rather than being harmful to the environment.”

RECYCLING works best when we follow the rules.

And the golden rule is – don’t mix up your waste.

It can be easy to throw the odd ‘wrong’ bit of rubbish in the ‘wrong’ bin but this type of contamination is the biggest cause of waste being rejected for recycling and sent to landfill instead.

Wigan Council’s Head of Safer, Cleaner, Greener Neighbourhoods, Sally Wolstencroft, says: “A good example of this was at the beginning of the green waste season. The quality of green waste being collected was very poor despite our bin crews checking for the wrong items being put in the bins.

“It meant that a lot of the waste we collected was of unacceptable quality for compositing which is a real shame. But we have worked hard to tackle the problem.

“The crews are checking bins and even listening to them as their contents are emptied into the back of the lorry. If it makes the wrong sound they’ve sifted through the waste by hand to get rid of wrong stuff! We’ve also been out and spoken to residents to find out what the issues are and what problems they face.”

Sally added: “Now, with more bins and more chances to recycle we’re hoping that it will reduce even further.”

DID YOU KNOW – We’ve found toys, clothes even an old TV in people’s green bins and they are meant for garden waste!

Even the humble carrier bag wrongly put in your green bin can lead to whole loads being rejected. The green waste is used by famers as compost so just one shredded carrier bag renders it useless.

BOROUGH LIFE Summer 2012

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Borough Life 26-27

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Waste Education Officers Rebecca Hill and Ellen Belshaw and children from Britannia Primary help you to spot the right bin.

Landfill can cost the earth IT’S so much cheaper to recycle than the send our waste to landfill or treatment.

Every tonne of waste that goes in a hole and is not recycled costs us at least £64 per tonne extra in landfill tax, and this tax will rise every year up to 2014 when it will be £80 a tonne – costing Wigan Council an additional £375,000 per year if waste to landfill is not reduced.

Sticking with the current arrangements would cost the council and council tax payers £14M more between now and 2020. The council needs to make at least £66M worth of savings over the next four years and the money saved by recycling will help to support those vital front-line services people in our borough rely.

New blue!

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Calling all the Borough’s Her

S it a can? Is it plastic bag?

No, it’s Wigan Borough’s very own superhero Waste Warrior and his faithful companion Scoop.

Faster than a busy bin lorry, more powerful than a trash compactor, able to leap tall wheelie-bins with a single bound!

More importantly these fun and loveable characters are helping to win the hearts and minds of the next generation of recyclers with To find their regular out more visit: visits to www.wigan.gov.uk and search for ‘Waste Education’

WITH the blue bin service being rolled out across the borough residents can no longer put clean brown cardboard in the green bin. All types of paper and card needs to go in the blue bin.

We get income for the paper and card we collect whilst it costs more to compost the green and food waste collection and the type of process our green bin recycling goes through doesn't allow cardboard – it's classed as contamination. So please help us save money!

BOROUGH LIFE Summer 2012

Wigan Borough currently recycles 36% of its waste and we aim to get this figure to 50% by 2020. We simply can’t afford not to reduce, re-use and recycle wherever possible. Not making these changes will cost the taxpayer an extra £14 million by 2020.

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classrooms at schools across Wigan Borough.

Today Waste Warrior and Scoop are at Britannia Bridge Primary School in Ince for a whole school assembly all about recycling.

It’s clear that they’ve instantly captured the imagination of their audience as young eyes across the room light up with excitement as the two heroes take centre-stage.

And it’s that imagination and natural enthusiasm that Wigan Council’s Environmental Education team are hoping to harness to make our

borough a greener place for future generations.

Waste Warrior and Scoop are accompanied by another dynamic duo on their school visits, Environmental Education Officers Rebecca Hill and Ellen Belshaw. Between them, the team visits more than 60 schools a year, spreading the recycling message.

“We work with the children to improve their understanding of reducing, re-using and recycling materials,” says Rebeccca. “We encourage them to do this both in school and at home. We find that the children are really keen

RECYCLERS UNITE! Joining Waste Warrior and Scooop in their bid to make Wigan a greener borough are Britannia Bridge pupils Josh, Thomas, Morgan and Mason.

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New caddies give food for thought to boost recycling

he roes!

S g r n e r e e , n .

to pick up the ideas and take naturally to the idea of recycling for a greener future. What we really hope is that they then take this message home and encourage their families to do the same.”

So far the team have succeeded in helping 91 per cent of the borough’s schools achieve Eco School status and more than a quarter have received the coveted Green Flag Status.

“Our aim is to get as many schools as possible to achieve this and now we’ve got Waste Warrior and Scoop to help, we’re pretty confident we can do it,” says Ellen.

Following assembly the children at Britannia Bridge take part in classroom work all about waste and recycling led by Rebecca and Ellen.

Headteacher Damon Donaldson is a big fan of the team.

“It’s great that we now have characters like Waste Warrior and Scoop to help to make it more fun and to bring the message to life,” he says. “We have a very strong recycling ethos at the school and our children really do understand why it is important that we cut down on waste for a better future.

Thanks to initiatives like this I would say that our children are not the next generation of recyclers, they already are recyclers.”

‘CADDY’ On Recycling...

Wigan Council’s we’ve got black, we’ve got Cabinet Member for brown, we’ve got blue and the Environment, Cllr we’ve got green.

Kevin Anderson said: Different bins for “Food waste currently different types counts for about a fifth of waste, of all the rubbish going each doing into black bins. Instead its duty as of sending it to landfill, part of we want to make it as easy Wigan as possible for people to Borough’s compost it.

Recycling “It is a much cheaper Revolution. alternative and at a time But now when we are having to there’s a make £66million worth of new kid cuts, measures such as this on the will help us to cut costs block and and help save £14million whilst it might which can be put towards be small, we’re essential front-line hoping it’s going services.” to be a big-hitter And if you haven’t got a in the war on waste. green bin, don’t panic! All The latest, smart new households will be getting addition to Wigan’s the same caddy and liners recycling family is the but those without a green kitchen caddy and it is bin can request a larger here to gobble down your outdoor caddy to put their food waste! food waste in ready for Dumping our rubbish in collection. a hole in the ground may These homes will have have seemed like a good have the same every other idea at one time but it’s no week collections, using the longer an option. Landfill same crew and vehicles as costs are spiralling and those with green bins. there just isn’t enough The combined food and room to go on burying garden waste will be sent waste. It’s bad for the to regional waste disposal environment and we could facilities, where it will be storing up problems for create quality compost for future generations. use on agricultural land.

Which is why Wigan “The proposals also Council has introduced the make environmental Kitchen Caddy. sense,” adds Cllr Anderson.

This sleek silver box can “Sending less take five litres of food waste to waste and comes landfill complete with a means supply of To help householders fewer compostable understand the new problems liners to make service, a special five down the recycling clean minute instructional video line for and easy. is available online at: our Households www.wigan.gov.uk/ children, with green bins recycling natural will be given habitats dishwasher-friendly caddies and protected not compostable caddy liners polluted, fewer to put their food waste in greenhouse gases and even before transferring it to more waste recycled into the green bin. new products.”

Safety FIRST! ONLY put your bins out for 7am on the day they are due for collection.

DON’T overfill your bins or leave loose rubbish around them.

DO store your bins within your boundary but away from the property (between 1-2metres), and away from windows and doors.

DO keep your bins out of sight of opportunists who may target them.

DANGER TO YOU Wheelie bin fires can spread causing danger to the public and property.

DANGER TO THE ENVIRONMENT Toxic fumes and smoke from bin fires pollute the environment.

COST TO US ALL Wheelie bin fires cost the fire service and the authority – and ultimately the tax-payer – dearly. Almost all fires could be prevented by following these simple rules.

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BOROUGH CELEBRATES 10 YEARS OF WIGAN AND LEIGH HOUSING

WHERE were you in 2002?

Brazil lifted the World Cup, NASA began to map the surface of Mars and tremors from an earthquake that hit the West Midlands were felt throughout the country.

And in 2002, Wigan Borough had its own seismic event with the birth of a new organisation dedicated to managing and improving the council’s stock of social housing.

Wigan and Leigh Housing (WALH) was formed an ‘arm’s length management organisation’ to look after both the day-to-day running and the long-term future of the borough’s 22,600 council houses and flats.

The move brought about a

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‘quiet revolution’ in the management of social housing which put the tenants in the driving seat when it came to making the big decisions.

Working alongside local councillors and independent WALH board members, it’s the tenants who have been the driving force behind a whole host of improvements over the last decade.

A major council house improvement and renovation process has resulted in positive moves such as we have now replaced 12,000 new boilers, improved insulation and the installation of 1,200 solar panels. Energy saving measures such as these have saved £1M a year which has

possible and, where we can, we generate renewable heat and energy locally.”

Whilst chair of the Wigan and Leigh Housing Board, former Wigan MP Neil Turner, adds: “It was a bold move by the council to create Wigan and Leigh Housing.

“The first ten years have been a success. What about the next 10 years?

“We have already established ourselves as a quality house-builder but we want to build many more homes for local people.

“Energy improvements will continue and we are now looking at further improvement works. This will help the local economy and create CHANGING LIVES: training and jobs for Vice Chair of Wigan and local people.”

Leigh Housing Board, Marjorie Leader of Wigan Marsden with tenants at the latest Council, Lord batch of new homes on Chatham Peter Smith, says: St in Leigh. This was part of the “It was a big first new build programme in decision to hand Wigan Borough in the the council’s stock last 25 years. of housing over to a management company and create Wigan and Leigh Housing but one that we are really glad to have taken.

“The initial move came with a massive injection of investment money from the government which has served us well but Wigan and Leigh Housing’s success goes far beyond this and continues to this day.

“In every measure taken the satisfaction of WALH tenants just keeps going up and the real beauty of the project is that it has managed to include the tenants in the decision-making process about their lives every step of the way. We’re now looking forward to the next 10 years!”

been re-invested in further improvements.

Majorie Marsden, a tenant from Shakerley, has been involved in the running of Wigan and Leigh Housing from the start.

She says: “As tenants we have a big influence in the important decisions including the setting of rents and then how our rents should be spent.

“Our homes, estates and housing services have been transformed and we now have one of the best housing services in the country.

“The legacy we want to leave to the Borough is a housing stock which uses as little energy as

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Page 2

Festival 2012: An ‘Incredible’ Line-up

All

that

jazz OLLYWOOD arranger and hugely successful composer, Gordon Goodwin will headline this year’s Wigan International Jazz Festival.

With a GRAMMY award in 2006 for his instrumental arrangement of “Incredits” from the film The Incredibles, three Emmy Awards and thirteen GRAMMY nominations, Mr Goodwin will be one of the biggest music names to play at Wigan International Jazz Festival in

H

its 27 year history.

Festival organiser Ian Darrington said: “Every year we endeavour to fill our programme with the world’s best jazz musicians but Gordon Goodwin’s appearance is especially pleasing for everyone who loves music. He has a wonderful ability to fuse jazz excellence with many musical styles that transcend the musical spectrum.”

The 27th Wigan International Jazz Festival kicks off with a trailblazer

event with A J Brown on Wednesday 11 July with the main programme taking place between Thursday 12 July and Sunday 15 July 2012. Wigan Youth Jazz Orchestra directed

by David Little with special guest James Morrison from Australia will trumpet in the celebrity evening concerts on Thursday 12 July at Lowri Beck Celebration Hall, Robin Park Indoor Sports Centre.

On Friday afternoon music fans can enjoy the joyful sounds of Latin America with

Jazz Festival 2012 at a glance WEDNESDAY 11 JULY – TRAILBLAZER EVENT: Celebrate the start of the 27th Wigan International Festival with a special Jazz Ball within the spectacular settings of Wigan’s most historic venue, Haigh Hall.

Enjoy a sumptuous four course dinner listening to the smooth and popular sound of AJ Brown. Reserve a place at Haigh Hall on 01942 832 895. Tickets cost £35 and the evening starts at 7.30pm.

THURSDAY 12 JULY: 8pm: Wigan Youth Jazz Orchestra directed by David Little with special guest James Morrison from Australia. Tickets £18 / £16 conc.

FRIDAY 13 JULY: 12.00pm: Munch Manship Octet – Playing 1950’s West Coast Jazz.

2.45pm: Apitos.

8.00pm: Alan Price and His Band. Tickets £18/ £16 conc.

SATURDAY 14 JULY: 12.00pm: Doncaster Youth Jazz Orchestra (Alumni) directed by John Ellis MBE 2.45pm: Daryl Sherman with John Hallam on saxophone and bass 8pm: An evening of music from Gordon Goodwin. Wigan Jazz Club Reunion Big Band featuring some of the biggest names in big bands from the USA. Wayne Bergeron on trumpet and Eric Marienthal on alto sax. Tickets £25 / £22 conc.

SUNDAY 15 JULY: 12.00pm: Ryan Quigley Quartet.

2.45pm: Chris Dean’s SYD Lawrence Orchestra. Tickets £18 / £16 conc 8.00pm: National Youth Jazz Orchestra Guest musical director Ian Darrington MBE Tickets £18 / £16 conc.

For more information about festival events visit: www.wlct.org

the music of Apitos.

The evening session will see former organist with “The Animals” Alan Price – whose hits included “House of the Rising Sun” and “Don’t Let Me Be Misunderstood” – and his band will take to the stage.

On Saturday Doncaster Youth Jazz Orchestra directed

by John Ellis MBE will perform just after midday followed by Daryl Sherman with John Hallam on saxophone and bass. Gordon Goodwin will perform with the Wigan Jazz Club Reunion Dream Band on Saturday night. Including a stunning line-up with Wayne Bergeron on trumpet and Eric Marienthal on alto sax.

Tickets Chris now on sale from Dean’s SYD Quay Tickets. Visit: Lawrence Orchestra www.quay.it/ and the wiganjazz National Youth Jazz Orchestra will bring the curtain down on the festival on Sunday.

Ian added: “Jazz has helped to put Wigan on the map for all the right reasons for the last 27 years and we hope if people haven’t been for a while then 2012 will be the year they return.”

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Summer 2012

IRON MAN: Triathlon competitor emerges from the water at Pennington Flash.

What’s

ON

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

Arts and Festivals

Mon 6th Aug to Tue 21st Aug

Mon 9th Jul, 1pm-2pm

The Craftwork Studio, Rear 22, Preston Road, Standish.

For further information contact Elizabeth 07904931003 email elizabeth@thecraftworkstudio.co.uk www.thecraftworkstudio.co.uk

FAMILY HISTORY WORKSHOP Leigh Local Studies, Turnpike Centre Start your family tree and discover the resources available in Leigh Local Studies. Use online sources including ancestry.com and meet the volunteers. Booking essential.

Telephone 01942 404559. £5

Wed 25th Jul, 10:30am-2:30pm

WINNER TAKES ALL Mesnes Park, Wigan The Youth Heritage Action Team will be organizing a family event in Mesnes Park to celebrate Wigan sport in this Olympic year. There will be lots to do, fun, games and things to make. Come along and join in! FREE

Sat 28th Jul, 11am-2:30pm

SUPER SATURDAY: OLYMPIC GLORY Turnpike Centre Come along to the Turnpike Centre for fun, family-friendly activities taking place throughout the building. Free. No need to book, just drop-in on the day. For more information call 01942 404420. FREE All the fun of the fair coming to Astley Park in Tyldesley.

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BOROUGH LIFE Summer 2012

SUMMER HOLIDAY CRAFT DAYS

Sat 30th Jun to Sat 8th Sep

BEASTLY MACHINES Turnpike Gallery Johnny White’s interactive sculptures combine new technology with mechanical ingenuity. Using found and recycled junk, he creates humorous and imaginative mythical creatures and animals often inspired by current affairs. FREE

Green Spaces 11am-5.30pm

MINI FUN FAIR FOR CHILDREN Haigh Hall Country Park Open Every Weekend and every day in School Holidays.

Sun 15th July 11am-5.30pm

CHILDRENS FUN FAIR Astley Park, Tyldesley Children must be accompanied by an Adult. All rides £1 (except inflatables).

Sun 15th Jul, Noon-3pm Mesnes Park Classic Jazz Band – part of Wigan International Jazz Festival at Mesnes Park, Wigan. For more information/details contact: 01942 245369

extra special DJ act! Tickets only £27 with money going to Breast Cancer Care. A great cause for you to come out and enjoy yourself!

7pm for 7.30pm dinner. Ladies only I’m afraid gents! For further information and to book telephone 01942 832895. £27.00

Sun 22nd Jul, 5am-10am

Sun 22nd Jul, 1pm

IRON MAN

HAIGH AFTERNOON TEA

Pennington Flash Early morning visitors to Pennington Flash can see the swimming and start of the cycle race in this endurance triathlon. There will be no vehicle access during this time. See www.ironman.com for further details.

Afternoon Tea taken in the splendour of the Douglas Suite accompanied by pianist. £9.95 adults. (Children’s options available). Served from 1pm. For further information and to book telephone 01942 832895. £9.95

Haigh Country Park

Heritage Events

Fri 20th Jul, 7pm

Fri 20th Jul, 10am-11am

CHARITY LADIES NIGHT

CARVED IN STONE WALKS

Enjoy a 3 course dinner with all your friends before being entertained with live music and an

Hindley Cemetery Discover stories about some of the borough’s past residents, including

SIX-IN-A-BAR WITH ROSIE

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brave and infamous individuals interred in local cemeteries. We meet at the gates of Hindley Cemetery, Danes Avenue entrance. The walk is not suitable for wheelchair users due to uneven surfaces and steps.

Booking essential. Telephone 01942 828020. £2

Sat 21st Jul, 11am-2:30pm

SUPER SATURDAY: GOING FOR GOLD Museum of Wigan Life. FREE

Tue 24th Jul, 10am-Noon

CARVED IN STONE: INCE AND WIGAN Ince Cemetery We meet at Ince Cemetery, Warrington Road entrance. The walk is not suitable for wheelchair users due to uneven surfaces and steps. Booking essential. Telephone 01942 828020. £3

Mon 30th Jul, 1pm-2pm

SUPER SUMMER: TELL US A STORY Museum of Wigan Life Children love stories, come and sit in our Discover Corner and listen and learn about things that happened a long time ago. Suitable for children up to 5 years. FREE

Libraries Tue 24th Jul

CLAY MODELLING Leigh Library 10.30am-11.30am and 2pm-3pm.

For ages 12 and under. Booking essential. For further information telephone 01942 404404. £1

Thu 26th Jul, 2pm

OLYMPIC GAMES AFTERNOON Lamberhead Green Library.

For further information telephone 01942 705060. FREE

Tue 31st Jul

Page 2

challenge: Walk – 500m • Cycle – 10km • Row – 2km • Run – 2.5km • Swim – 400m. Teams can split the distances or activities between members. For further information or to sign up to the challenge contact r.smith@wlct.org or 01942 488480

Sat 21st Jul, 11am-2:30pm

GOING FOR GOLD SUPER SATURDAY Museum of Wigan Life Join our Olympic countdown party at the museum! Bring in your sporting medals and trophies and have your photograph taken with them on our podium. Make your own London 2012 winners’ medal and handle sporting medals and trophies from the museum collection. Take part in an Olympic jackpot and predict which British Olympians will win Bronze, Silver and Gold at the games. All correct predictions will be entered into a free prize draw. FREE, no need to book. Suitable for families and all ages. Some activities may have a small charge.

Olympic events at the Museum of Wigan Life.

Tue 31st Jul, 1pm-2:30pm

SUPER SUMMER: OLYMPIC MANIA

Tue 31st Jul, 1pm-2:30pm

Tue 7th Aug, 1pm-2:30pm

Museum of Wigan Life Let’s look at sport in Wigan, how it used to be a long time ago and what is happening today. There will be fun activities, things to make, lots to see and do. Suitable for children from 4-11yrs. Booking essential. Telephone 01942 828128. £2.50

OLYMPIC MANIA

OLYMPIC MANIA

Museum of Wigan Life Let’s look at sport in Wigan, how it used to be and what is happening today. There will be fun activities, things to make, lots to see and do.

Free but some activities may have small charge. For further information telephone 01942 828130.

Museum of Wigan Life Let’s look at sport in Wigan, how it used to be and what is happening today. There will be fun activities, things to make, lots to see and do.

Free but some activities may have small charge. For further information telephone 01942 828130.

Tue 14th Aug, 1pm-2:30pm Plenty ‘afoot’ in Mesnes Park this summer.

OLYMPIC MANIA Museum of Wigan Life Let’s look at sport in Wigan, how it used to be and what is happening today. There will be fun activities, things to make, lots to see and do.

Free but some activities may have small charge. For further information telephone 01942 828130.

RECYCLED MATERIALS CRAFT Leigh Library 10.30am-11.30am and 2pm-3pm.

For ages 12 and under. Booking essential. For further information telephone 01942 404404. £1

Sports and Healthy Living

Tue 21st Aug, 1pm-2:30pm

OLYMPIC MANIA Museum of Wigan Life Let’s look at sport in Wigan, how it used to be and what is happening today. There will be fun activities, things to make, lots to see and do.

Free but some activities may have small charge. For further information telephone 01942 82813.

Sat 21st Jul

GOLD CHALLENGE IN A GYM (INDIVIDUAL CHALLENGE)

Sat 11th Aug, 1pm-3pm

Wigan Life Centre Teams of 4 people aged 14 years and above are invited to be part of the challenge whilst raising money for charity. Various start times are available on a first come first served basis. The challenge involves teams completing the following

Alexandra Park BMX JAM Event – Competition. Age categories are under 12’s, 12-16yrs, 16-19yrs, Semi-Professional riders.

Prizes to be awarded by judges for participants who demo’s best tricks, skills, etc. For further information telephone 01942 487093.

BMX OLYMPIC JAM EVENT

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MEET Adam, Rory and Edd – Boomin – the big noise band with big hearts.

Over the last six years, they’ve done the rounds of local clubs, graduated to supporting the likes of Craig David and Pixie Lott, and this summer release their debut album.

“We’re going to give it everything we’ve got,“ says bass guitarist Rory O’Grady. The 26 year old is looking forward to a busy time when the album is out. “The hard work starts now and we just want to carry on doing what we are doing.”

Boomin headlined the borough’s Britain in Bloom launch this spring with a gig in the town centre. The council’s Chief Executive, Donna Hall, thanked them for being part of a big day for all the residents’ and tenants’ groups who support eco projects.

Pubs and clubs sign up for

SAFER NIGHTS T HE sign says you’re in for a good time… and a safe one.

That’s the aim of a new campaign to prove that Wigan pub and clubs simply are the best… bar none.

Best Bar None is a nationally recognised scheme designed to reduce alcohol-related crime and disorder in Wigan Town Centre.

It promotes responsible pub and club management and recognises and rewards those who put the safety of their customers first.

And more importantly, with a proven track record of improving standards and reducing crime linked to the night-time scene, it really works.

To get the Best Bar None mark, pubs and clubs must meet strict standards, particularly when it comes to preventing nuisance and promoting public safety.

The scheme is backed by Wigan Council, Greater Manchester Police, governed by the British Institute of Inn Keeping and approved by the Home Office. Best Bar None

co-ordinators are now busy encouraging pub and club managers to sign up to the scheme.

The badge is only awarded to those who have proved they comply with a strict set of criteria, including making sure door staff are licensed, what measures the venue has taken to mitigate the impact of noise and litter and what procedures are in place for staff to follow if drugs are found onthe premises.

Those that reach the standard will be allowed to enter a special awards ceremony that will recognise outstanding achievement, later in the year.

Cllr Kevin Anderson, the council’s cabinet member for safer communities, says: “By ensuring our town centre pubs, bars and clubs run safe businesses, we will not simply help to reduce crime but also cut down on alcohol-related hospital admissions attributed to illness and injury.”

The scheme has already received the backing of some of the borough’s major

ALL THE BEST: Launching ‘Best Bar None’ at Wigan Little 15 are: Greater Manchester Police Supt. Andrea Jones; Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service, Wigan Borough Commander Steve Sheridan; Wigan Council’s Senior Trading Standards Officer Terry Gregson; Publican Tony Callaghan; Wigan Council’s community safety manager Paul Whitemoss; Best Bar None co-ordinator Joe Curran and Carol Lyons from the council’s Drug and Alcohol Team. players in the pub trade.

Tony Callaghan, who owns the InnTheBar pub chain, has been looking forward to the scheme being introduced in Wigan for some time.

“Smaller, independent operators can really benefit from Best Bar None because it gives them access to free, expert You can find advice and out more at: support www.bestbar from all none.com the various

partnership agencies.”

He added: “Best Bar None gives licensed premises a perfect opportunity to demonstrate that they are prepared to go that extra mile when it comes to ensuring they run a responsible business in the interests of customers and community safety. I’m delighted that the scheme is being introduced in Wigan, and look forward to it being rolled out to other parts of the borough.”