Please see my updates below taken from council official releases and other sources along with my interpretation of issues.  Which I post at my earliest opportunity

Update 06-09-2023

School Safety - RAAC Lightweight Concrete Issue
You may well be receiving queries about our school buildings and RAAC use. We understand, at this moment in time, that no Wigan Schools are affected by RAAC building issues and pupils will be able to return for the start of term. I will update again should I be notified of any changes
 

Free Fire Safety training for all KS1-4 Wigan School Pupils
Wigan Council has provided funding to transport schoolchildren from the borough to Greater Manchester Fire & Rescue Service’s (GMFRS) Community Fire Training Facility at Hinds Lane, Bury, BL8 2AL and return them to school following each session. This ground-breaking project, delivered by GMFRS, will provide children with a free, state-of-the-art interactive experience highlighting the dangers of fire and providing safety advice on how to react in the event of a fire. Several Wigan Borough schools have now piloted the course and feedback has been exceptionally positive.

Coach transport to and from the facility is being delivered by Tyrers’ Coaches and is free of charge for schools.

Each session is for up to 40 students, who will be picked up from schools and delivered to the Bury site for 1000 hours. They will undertake a two-hour morning session. Meanwhile, the coach will return during the morning to the school to collect a second group of 40 students and deliver them to Bury ready to commence the afternoon session from 1200 -1400 hours. (The afternoon group will need to either, take an early lunch before leaving school, or bring packed lunches which they must provide themselves; which must be eaten before the 12:00 session commences.). The morning students will then be transported back to school leaving Bury just after 1200 hours. The coach then returns to Bury, collects the afternoon cohort at 1400 hours and returns them to school. Each group will require teachers from the school to travel on the coach to provide supervision of the pupils. Please note, that if 40 students are attending, the school will need to provide 4 adults.

The project will run until the available funding is used.

Headteachers are invited to contact the GM Fire Safety Centre directly via email on safetycentre@manchesterfire.gov.uk to book places quoting ‘Wigan Borough School with Tyrers Coach enquiry’. Please ensure you make the team at the Fire Centre aware that you are eligible for the FREE transport.

The Process

Schools email GMFRS to agree date of visit

GMFRS send school form

School complete form and return to GMFRS

GMFRS confirm booking and book transport via Tyrers

Visit takes place

I would encourage all of our schools to take advantage of the free valuable training opportunity for our pupils

Navigation Inn / Old Baby Elephant Restaurant
A lot of residents have asked if there are any plans for the Navigation Pub, which used to be the Baby Elephant restaurant and is currently for sale.  A group of local volunteers have got together and are looking at possible options with a view to setting up a not-for-profit group and purchasing the site for community use, I will provide updates and contacts on this once the group is established and a formal plan has been put together

Flooding & Drainage
As I'm sure you will have already noticed, we have been getting periods of unusually heavy rain, which at times has been too heavy for drainage infrastructure to cope. This seems to happen more regularly and appears to increase in severity over time. The council does have support to help communities at risk of flooding but the nature of recent floods and the risks involved means the council will intervene on a priority basis and teams can get overwhelmed very quickly meaning there can be delays in support being available and can't be everywhere at the same time. It is important that property owners and communities take whatever steps they can to protect their properties from flooding wherever possible, which hopefully can help avoid serious property damage and keep communities safe.  Please visit the council web page for flooding advice where you can see who is responsible and get advice on protecting your property and your community

Click Here for Flooding Advice on Flooding & Drainage

Brighter Borough Fund
Councillors Galligan, Crosby, and I support a variety of local initiatives with our Brighter Borough funding provided by Wigan Council. We are currently in the process of supporting volunteers to improve Stockley Park with equipment and activities, a new bench in Crooke Village, and have supported a number of groups and activities. I'll put together a list of items we have supported in my next update. In the meantime if you are a member of a group that are looking to make improvements for the benefit of our local community talk to Vicky, Mike, or Myself and see if we can help

Click Here for Information on Brighter Borough Funding

10th Anniversary Memory Walk - Alzheimer's Society

Do you have time to join a walk with the Be Well team for a world without dementia? Click one of the events below to Sign up for free and play your part!

? Click Here to Join the Haigh Woodland Park Walk (24 Sep)

? Click Here to Join the Pennington Hall Park Walk (29 Sep) 
 

The following links are useful for our volunteers and community groups where you can find information about Community Funding, Love the Community & Where You Live, Volunteering Opportunities, Community Events, and a range of Additional Resources

Click Here to go to The Deal For Communities Main Website

Kilhey Court
A lot of our residents will be aware that the council has been informed by the Home Office that Kilhey Court in Standish will be used as emergency accommodation for those seeking asylum. The council has written to the Home Office voicing our concerns about the plans due to the unsuitability of the site for this purpose. Please read the council's public statement, extracts of the letter to the Home Office, and FAQs for residents below. Hopefully, this will help stem the flow of misinformation, which sadly follows these government decisions

Click Here to Read the Public Statement
Click Here for Extracts of Letter to The Home Office
Click Here for a List of FAQs

Update 22/04/2023

2023 Local Elections May 4th
As a lot of our residents have made enquiries, confused, o

r concerned about this year’s local elections, I have summarised the requirements for voting, which will be different this year along with the upcoming major changes to our Ward for your information.
 
Also, as always I strongly advise residents to validate any claims made in leaflets that come through your door as sadly it is not unusual for unscrupulous prospective candidates during campaigns to make wild or misleading claims and statements in a leaflet, which can be the source of many complaints.  A useful way to validate can be as simple as contacting the candidate and asking them to explain and validate any claims they make with evidence or check out the sources used etc
 
 This year’s local elections are different than usual as they are All out Elections, this means that every seat on the whole council is up for election, so you are voting for three ward councillors that you wish to represent you on wigan council. You will be asked to mark a cross beside 3 different candidates instead of the usual 1 cross for one candidate only.
 
In addition to this, following changes introduced by the government. Voters who vote in person must either have a valid Photo ID or a Voter Authority Certificate with them to be allowed to vote. People who turn up to vote without a valid photo ID or a certificate will be turned away, so make sure you are prepared to vote.
 
This does not apply to people that vote by post, which remains unchanged
 
The following links provide more information on what is accepted as a photo ID and how to apply for a Postal Vote or a “Voter Authority Certificate” should you be unable to access a photo ID
 
Youtube Video Tutorials

 
The new Emergency Alerts system will be tested nationally this Sunday, April 23 at 3 pm. Which will warn people when their lives are in danger. An Emergency Alert is a loud, siren-like sound with a message on your mobile phone screen.
 
Click Here for More Information
 
His Majesty the King's Coronation

The Coronation of King Charles III is fast approaching, and here in Wigan Borough we'll be joining the nation in celebrating. 

On Sunday, May 7 a big Coronation lunch will take place outside Leigh Town Hall. Enjoy an afternoon of fun and feasting. There will be local talent, crafts, funfair rides, and much more. Bring your own picnic (alcohol will not be permitted on site) or tuck into the traditional foodie treats on offer.
 
 On Monday, May 8 you can join The Mayor of Wigan Borough for our Coronation Party in the Park! Boasting a range of family entertainment, games, fun fair rides, food stalls, and much more it’s an opportunity to gather with your loved ones and celebrate a historical day in the lovely setting of Mesnes Park.
 
If you'd like to perform at either event, there's still a chance to!
Email events@wigan.gov.uk to register your interest.
 
Click Here for More Information
 
Canal Towpath Upgrade

Work to upgrade the towpath along the canal from Wigan to its border with Appley Bridge will soon begin. The Major Projects team is working in partnership with the Canal and River Trust (CRT), who will be delivering this work on behalf of the council. CRT has appointed the contractor Bentleys (JNB) to carry out the work, with a start-on-site date currently programmed for mid-April until November 2023.
 
The route also runs alongside Robin Park Retail Park, which currently generates a high volume of car journeys with people visiting the retail park, leisure hub, and DW stadium. The scheme will link with the existing Robin Park Road and Saddle Junction cycling and walking facilities, and will comprise the following:
•Upgrade to the towpath along the Leeds Liverpool Canal from Scot Lane to the border with West Lancashire at Appley Bridge).
• Improve links to and from the canal around Robin Park and the DW stadium by installing new crossing facilities.
 
Progress to Date
Two new toucan crossings (on Loire Drive adjacent to the DW Stadium and on Scot Lane, behind the Police Station) have been delivered to improve connections to the canal from the DW Stadium, Robin Park Retail Park, and the nearby residential areas. The path that connects Robin Park Road and Laurel Drive has been widened, and the footpath through Laithwaite Park upgraded.
Remaining works include the installation of lanterns on lighting columns and the removal of site cabins to enable the completion of the footway and cycleway. This work is scheduled to be completed by the end of May 2023.
 
Future proposals
The Major Projects team is developing designs for further links to improve cycling and walking connections from the canal and through Marsh Green area as shown on the map. This work will only commence on-site if the team secures additional funding for construction works. Further updates will be provided in due course.
 

Update 12-03-2023

 
2023 Local Elections May 4th
Use Your Vote – Don’t Lose Your Vote
We have had a lot of enquiries from residents worried about how to vote in the 2023 local elections, which take place on Thursday, May 4th due to changes imposed by the government requiring additional Voter ID.
 
Voters who vote in person in this year’s local elections must either have a valid Photo ID or a Voter Authority Certificate with them to be allowed to vote. This does not apply to postal votes; it only applies to people who go to the polling station in person to place their vote.
 
I can’t stress the importance enough as I worry that a lot of people could be deprived of their right to vote due to not having a certificate or photo ID with them when they visit a polling station.
 
The following links provide you with more information on what is accepted as photo ID and how to apply for a Postal Vote or a “Voter Authority Certificate” should you be unable to access a photo ID
 
If you are not already Registered to Vote
Click Here to Register to Vote
 
Once you are registered to vote, you may apply for a postal vote
Click Here to Download the form to apply to Vote by Post
 
If you are unable to get access to a Valid Photo ID
Click Here to Apply Online for a Voter Authority Certificate

For More Information Please Use the Following Links
Click Here for more information on Wigan Council Website
 
Click Here for more information from the Electoral Commission Website
 
Click Here if you need to Check Your Eligibility to Vote
 
Regardless of who you vote for, I believe everyone has a duty to use their vote because many thousands of people have laid down their lives to defend our right and freedom to choose our elected representatives, It is also the most certain and effective reminder to your elected representatives as to who it is they represent.
 
If you need any assistance don’t hesitate to contact either Councillors Crosby, Galligan or Myself

Update 23-10-2022

Ward Councillors Local Issues
Your 3 Ward Councillors are working on your behalf on an ongoing basis and I will include some examples of some of the things we do that go beyond ongoing routine fixes and attending council meetings etc, where we represent the ward. Your 3 Councillors are pictured below
 

Pictured above from Left to Right Councillors Paul Collins, Vicky Galligan and Mike Crosby

Brighter Borough Funding
Brighter Borough funding is direct funding available to us from Wigan Council, which your local councillors can access to be used for local projects or support issues and local groups. Funding requests must be approved by your councillors and meet certain criteria e.g it cant be used as a substitute for alternative funds or maintenance issues etc but it can be used for new projects and activities to improve the Ward or support our volunteers and community groups.  For more information or to apply for funding, contact one of your ward team in the first instance as we are always keen to support our local groups and initiatives whenever we can

Examples of recent Brighter Borough Awards

We are proud to support our local Memories dementia-friendly group in Shevington with Brighter Borough funding. TonyBostock is a talented musician who runs the group with other dedicated volunteers. The group have talks from people such as Major Alan and Major Linda Taberner, (Pictured above) who ran a presentation with wartime memorabilia and led an interactive talk followed by a few wartime dances! I'd love to know how they swing their hips the way they did.

Tony plays keyboard and guitar, playing songs from through the ages and quizzing the group on who sang the songs etc, invoking memories which are shared with the group. 

why not bob along and join the Memories group who meets on the 1st and 3rd Friday of the month, 2-4pm, at Shevington Methodist Church. All are welcome!

You can call Tony Bostock on 01257 401540 or mobile: 07505 990852 

Supporting Our Local Sports Clubs
We have had the privilege of supporting our local sports clubs including Shevington FC and Shevington sharks with funding for new kits and equipment to help get some new teams off the ground, we have also secured funding for various projects to help improve their grounds and facilities and attain sponsors etc

There are many other examples of improvements supported by our brighter borough funding ranging from new bins to more major projects

Councillors Weekly Surgeries
As you may already be aware we suspended our face-to-face surgeries during the COVID pandemic and the closure of the library. Our library has reopened on Saturday Mornings so we have resumed our weekly surgeries where residents can come and talk to us about issues they are facing, which can be useful for people without internet access.  In addition to this, we are available round the clock for contact by email.

Councillors Surgeries are held every Saturday morning at 10 am in Shevington library

Click Here to Email Me Councillor Paul Collins

Click Here to Email Councillor Vicky Galligan

Click Here to Email Councillor Mike Crosby

Shevington Extra Care Provision Update
Miles Lane Old School Site
The planning application for the scheme was submitted in July this year. There has been some feedback from residents about the proposal, which has been positive up to now with no objections. The planning dept. are consulting with various bodies on the plans, and we should hopefully receive a decision around November. Officers liaised with the planners and the surrounding community before submitting the application. I have put a link below to a dedicated online form where residents can submit their feedback, view details and FAQs etc
 
A bid is to be submitted to Homes England for grant funding to support the scheme. Homes England supports this type of older persons/specialist development, which would help towards the overall capital cost of the development.
 
The tender for the construction contract to build the scheme is currently out to bidders via the Innovation Chain North framework (ICN) which is a framework for procuring appropriate building contractors, with extensive experience in building both affordable housing and specialist extra care developments. Tenders will be evaluated shortly after 7th November, considering the cost and quality of submissions and 10% based on the social value commitments which the contractors would make during the project. Which can include skills and training opportunities for local people, supporting local schools and organisations etc allowing for positive opportunities to give something back to the local community from the contractor.
 
Surrounding residents will be notified once planning permission is granted along with local community groups and leaders. Work is expected to start on the site around February 2023, starting with a new access road to serve our site and the clinic. The track will be closed for some of the time whilst building work is underway. The new scheme should vastly improve the access arrangements off Miles Lane so hopefully, the temporary inconvenience will prove worthwhile.
 
Click Here for More Details, F.A.Q’s and to Have Your say on The Plans & Proposals

Light Night Extravaganza Returns
 Wigan Borough is set to impress as a series of free cultural events illuminate the winter months. In Wigan town centre, a free family light festival which will display the work of local, national and international artists – with input from borough residents - is set to return to Wigan Pier for two nights next month. The installation will take place 18 and 19 November with a trail of artworks and performances along the canal network leading up to Wigan Pier. Visitors will see one of the borough’s historic buildings lit up with large-scale installations from celebrated international artist Liz West, where 765 mirrors made of coloured acrylic will fill and reflect the location in a myriad of new and colourful ways and columns of light will change visitors’ perception of colour.

In Leigh, the Turnpike Gallery is set to become home to mesmerising exhibition ‘Geometric Light’ from acclaimed artist Zarah Hussain from 15 October – with the artist delivering a talk on her work that day. The exhibition will include a wall-based installation of 54 light boxes filled with programmable LEDs, projected animation and a piece of art which focuses on ‘breath’. On 19 November, a community lantern parade in partnership with Leigh Carnival will take place featuring performances from WigLe dance
 

Tickets are Available Here

Rugby League World Cup is Underway
 The Rugby League World Cup is well underway and the action is hotting up!  Wales and the Cook Islands served up a treat on Wednesday in the first of our three games at Leigh Sports Village - with the Pacific nation edging a close-fought contest 18-12. It was a fantastic occasion and we can’t wait to do it all again on Sunday when Lebanon take on Ireland in a 2.30 pm kick-off.

 
Click Here to Secure Your Seat

Stay Safe When Walking and Cycling this Winter
From teaching you how to fix punctures to tips on being visible, Be Well Wigan is here to help you keep active through the cold, dark nights ahead with a range of events across the borough.
 

 
Click Here to Discover More
 
Planning for the Future to 2040
Wigan Council would like to hear from as many local residents as possible on the future of our borough in its ‘planning for the future consultation which has opened this week. This consultation is asking for people’s views on seven different themes: homes, jobs, town centres, transport, places, the environment, and people to help shape a refreshed Local Plan. It also sets out some of the challenges Wigan Borough is facing- such as climate change, affordable housing availability and reducing inequality - and invites ideas and thoughts on how they can be addressed. 
 

Find out more and have your say: Planning for the Future to 2040 (wigan.gov.uk)

Update 20-07-2022

Broken Link
A big thank you to readers who spotted the mistake in my previous update with a broken link to the election results.  All I can say is well spotted ? I’ve put a photo of your new ward team of councilors and some useful links to election results below FYI
 
Your New Ward Team

Councillors Paul Collins, Vicky Galligan & Mike Crosby
 
Click Here Shevington with Lower Ground Election Results May 05 2022
 
Click Here to View All Election Results
 
If not already registered, Click Here to Register to Vote
 
If already Registered to vote, Click Here to Download a Postal Vote
 
Drowning Prevention Week June 18 – 25
As some may already be aware Drowning prevention week this year was between June 18 and 25 this year, a campaign led by the Royal Life Saving Society UK.  This is a very important issue to raise awareness of the dangers of water and these dangers continue throughout the year in particular, during periods of warm weather.  It is important to remember that when in water people can experience difficulties for several reasons, often in the least expected places, and can happen to anyone regardless of how well you can swim, so always exercise caution and respect when entering the water.  As the warm weather is with us, open water can be very tempting for swimmers to enter for a bit of fun and a cool down so it is vital that everyone is familiar with the possible hazards and hidden dangers in water to ensure all can remain safe and not find themselves in unexpected trouble or danger, which can be life-threatening.
 
Click Here for More Information From the RLSS Website
  
Miles Lane (Old School Site)
We have had several enquiries regard to the progress of plans to add extra care provision at the site of Shevington Community Primary School. Councillors Galligan, Crosby, and I regularly meet with officers to discuss progress and plans with the site. Officers will continue to update the community via Drop-in Sessions and attendance at meetings etc at appropriate stages to ensure everyone has an opportunity to view progress and have a say.  The last sessions at the Methodist Church and Shevington Fete were well visited and feedback from the community was positive, these will continue at various stages.
 
For anyone wishing to be a resident in the new facility, they will first need to add themselves to the housing register as once properties become available people can bid for them and only people on the housing register can place bids.  Allocation will be aimed at those with the highest need with priority going to applicants with a connection to the ward e.g. local residents.  If its something you want to apply for then join the register now so you have an account set up and ready to give you the best chance as I suspect they will get snapped up quickly
 
Click Here If You Would Like to Apply to Go On Wigan Councils Housing Register
  
Miles Lane Proposals Birds Eye View
 

Artist Impressions on How the Completed Development May Look
  

 
Click Here if You Would Like more information and links to Extra care Housing
  
Carriageway Resurfacing, Wigan Road, Wigan Lower Road
As some of you may have noticed work began on resurfacing Wigan Road and Lower Road Standish Lower Ground.  This follows on from several enquiries and complaints about the state of the road
 
Work Commenced on Sunday 3rd July 2022 and continues for the following 3 consecutive Sundays, which hopefully means it should be completed this Sunday
 
Leeds & Liverpool Canal Towpath Wigan to Appley Bridge
As part of the Standish / Wigan / Ashton Bee Network, we have the Leeds and Liverpool Canal Towpath and Links scheme. This scheme is about making routes work for everyone and the borough a better place to live, work, and visit. By creating routes that better connect our town centers and improving public space, we can help families and communities get about safely, cut down unnecessary car journeys and attract more visitors to our borough. The canal provides an opportunity for a safe and attractive commuter route to major employment areas, including Martland Park where Heinz and other businesses are located. It also runs alongside Robin Retail Park, which currently generates a lot of car journeys as a result of the shops, leisure hub, and DW stadium.
 
Work on this section of the canal and surrounding pathways will improve links from residential areas to employment and leisure zones. The scheme is also proposed to link with the existing Robin Park Road and Saddle junction cycling and walking facilities. The scheme will comprise the following:
 
Upgrade to the towpath along the Leeds and Liverpool Canal from Wigan town center to the border with West Lancashire district, including an upgraded surface.
Improve links to and from the canal around Martland Park and Marsh Green, with links to Robin Park and Frog Lane
Appley Bridge to Martland Park
Crooke Village to Canberra Road
Canberra Road to Scot Lane
Robin Park Road to Gidlow Lane
Robin Park Road to Laithwaite Park.
Work on site will be broken down into phases, with the first phase planned to be constructed this year.
 
Click Here to View Details about the Funding via the Mayors Challenge Fund
  
Click Here to find more information on Wigan Council Major Projects
 
The Big Disability Survey 2022
The Greater Manchester Disabled People’s Panel has launched the ‘Big Disability Survey 2022’. The survey, which was launched on Tuesday 28 June, is targeted at any disabled people who live or work across Greater Manchester and specifically aims to find out their attitudes and feelings towards the current cost of living crisis.
 
The survey builds on the 2020 survey from the Panel, which saw nearly 1,000 disabled people in Greater Manchester respond about their views on the Covid-19 pandemic. The findings of the last survey where 90% of respondents said that the pandemic had a negative impact on their mental health have helped the panel to apply pressure to decision-makers about the services available to them. The 2020 survey also raised big issues with a digital exclusion, as much of the emergency response was relying on digital platforms. This insight has helped to develop Greater Manchester’s response to digital inclusion.
 
The new 2022 survey focuses on the challenges people might face relating to the current cost of living. Whilst it is an online survey, the Panel is encouraging people to complete the survey in whichever way suits them, with postal, BSL, and in-person support available if people need it.
 
The Greater Manchester Disabled People's Panel is made up of 15 Disabled People's organisations, run by and for disabled people. The results of this survey will help influence policy and make our city region a better place to live for disabled people. The more disabled people who can fill it in, the stronger their voice for change becomes.
 
The insight this survey will provide will hopefully help shape services and provision in the future.
 
Click Here to Complete the Survey
 
Polling Stations Review
Ahead of the 2023 local elections, a review of Wigan Borough's polling stations is taking place, i.e the places where you vote at elections.  This will help council officers plan for all future elections and referendums.
 
Wigan Council is seeking your views until July 31 so click the links below for more information and  to have your say

 
Click Here for More Information
 
Click Here to Have Your Say