Conaill Corner

Wigan Council is examining whether to introduce a Cumulative Impact Assessment covering off-licences in Leigh and Wigan town centres. The measure could create a presumption against new alcohol-sale licences, requiring applicants to justify their proposals before a licensing committee. Councillor Dane Anderton said the concentration of convenience stores and off-licences was limiting business diversity, while stressing that pubs, bars and restaurants would not be targeted. The council has not yet adopted the restriction and is assessing whether sufficient evidence exists to support it.

JD Wetherspoon has submitted a planning application to expand the beer garden at The Thomas Burke pub in Leigh by converting part of the existing car park into additional outdoor seating. The plans include new masonry walls, railings, steps and handrails. The site is within the Leigh Town Centre Conservation Area, and residents can comment through Wigan Council under application reference A/26/101193/FULL.

Greater Manchester Police officers stopped a Mini Cooper reported stolen in Merseyside after spotting it in Wigan. The driver allegedly rammed a police vehicle, abandoned the car and fled on foot, but police dog Ddraig detained him. The man was arrested on suspicion of aggravated taking without consent, dangerous driving, breaching a Sexual Harm Prevention Order, failing to comply with sex-offender notification requirements and assault, and remained in custody for questioning.

Wigan Council has budgeted £454.3 million for services and spending commitments in 2026/27, with £171.2 million—around 21% of the total—coming from council tax. Other funding includes retained business rates, government grants and top-up funding. The largest allocation, £299.8 million, is for people services such as adult social care and children’s services, while £78.7 million is earmarked for place services. Additional spending includes the Passenger Transport Levy, resources and flood defence. Portions of residents’ bills are passed to Greater Manchester Police, Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service, the mayoral precept and transport services.

Hundreds of people attended Wigan Pride 2026 in Wigan town centre, which featured a colourful parade, live performances, distinctive outfits and community celebrations. Organisers and Wigan Council thanked sponsors, volunteers, performers and attendees for contributing to the event's success.

An off-duty 23-year-old Greater Manchester Police student officer was arrested after a pursuit on the M62 that followed a 999 call reporting a distressed woman inside a vehicle. He is suspected of rape, kidnap and dangerous driving and remains in custody for questioning. The woman, who is in her 20s, was safeguarded and referred for specialist support. GMP suspended the officer and voluntarily referred the matter to the Independent Office for Police Conduct, while stating that an initial review found no concerns with his vetting.

Leigh MP Jo Platt and Leigh West councillor Dane Anderton plan to object to a proposed mixed-use development at 44–52 Railway Road comprising a 39-bedroom hotel and HMO with capacity for up to 48 people. They argue that the scheme is too large, would add pressure to local services and does not adequately address housing needs, favouring self-contained accommodation instead. Developer Spencer Reid Ltd says the proposal would operate mainly as high-quality hotel-style accommodation, reuse vacant or underused buildings, create jobs and support Leigh town centre. Wigan Council is expected to decide the application by September 23.

Four men from Wigan, Leeds and Liverpool were arrested over alleged large-scale illegal waste dumping at Bolton House Road in Wigan, a site linked to foul odours, environmental hazards and a week-long fire that closed nearby schools. One suspect was also arrested in connection with dumping at Cave’s Inn Pits, a Site of Special Scientific Interest in Leicestershire. The Environment Agency’s National Environmental Crime Unit is leading the investigation with support from organized-crime and police units. The government has pledged funding for the Wigan site’s cleanup, while Wigan Council works to appoint a specialist contractor and has installed concrete blocks to deter further dumping.

A two-car collision at the junction of St Helens Road and Atherleigh Way in Leigh left one vehicle overturned on its roof late on Monday night. Fire crews from Atherton and Leigh, including enhanced and technical rescue units, attended for about two and a half hours while the junction was closed. One man was assessed by ambulance staff and three other people were unharmed. Police also attended, but no arrests were made.

A man in his 20s remains in hospital with serious injuries after his Sur-Ron e-bike collided with a black Tesla Model X on Holden Road in Leigh. Police closed the road after the July 31 crash and are continuing their investigation, appealing for witnesses, dashcam footage and CCTV while providing Greater Manchester Police and Crimestoppers contact details.

Leigh and Atherton MP Jo Platt has been appointed Parliamentary Private Secretary to Prime Minister Andy Burnham, joining his team at No. 10 Downing Street. Platt said she would support the Prime Minister while continuing to prioritize her constituency. The appointment coincides with early government measures including a £2 bus fare cap, business rates relief for hospitality and live music venues, lower VAT on electricity bills, youth-employment reforms, expanded devolution and efforts to reduce rough sleeping.

Wigan Council has approved planning permission for a major refurbishment of Leigh Market Hall at Spinning Gate. The works include a new full-height entrance, replacement roof with photovoltaic panels, structural and mechanical improvements, automated service-yard shutters, new gates and barriers, and cycle parking. The council says the project, funded through the Local Regeneration Fund, will improve conditions for traders and shoppers, raise the market’s profile, attract visitors and boost trade. Construction must begin within three years, with additional conditions covering materials and cycle parking.

Andy Burnham has backed Wigan & Leigh Hospice’s campaign for fairer and more sustainable funding, saying hospices must be properly funded and that broader pressures in social care must be addressed. The campaign highlights that NHS funding covers only part of specialist palliative care costs, leaving hospices dependent on donations, fundraising and volunteers. The appeal was strengthened by the experience of Pauline Westwood, a former Wigan pub landlady who received hospice care before her death and urged the government to provide fairer funding. The hospice is asking residents to donate and share personal messages to demonstrate the importance of its services to local families.

A survivor described the lifelong emotional, psychological and relational impact of sexual abuse suffered at age 14 in Wigan during the 2000s. Stewart Knowles, a former Boys' Brigade captain, was convicted of 18 offences and sentenced to 16 years in prison, while Andrew Lord was convicted of four offences and sentenced to seven years. Greater Manchester Police praised the survivor's courage and said it would continue supporting abuse survivors and pursuing perpetrators.

Three men—Cole Churchill of Irlam, Jacob Hall of Leigh and Connor Lee Browne of Irlam—have been charged with manslaughter and affray over the death of 39-year-old Ben Wright. Wright, from Eccles in Salford, was injured outside Dessie's Place in Cadishead on March 29 and died in hospital two days later. The defendants are due to appear at Manchester Magistrates' Court on August 21, 2026. Wright was known in Manchester’s music community as a vocalist and guitarist and was also an animal lover, graphic design graduate and builder.

A homelessness charity in Wigan and Leigh welcomed Prime Minister Andy Burnham’s pledge to end rough sleeping, citing its success delivering the A Bed Every Night scheme, which provides emergency accommodation and support. The Brick said the programme has helped people move toward stable housing and emphasized that lasting change requires funding, housing availability and comprehensive services. The charity expressed readiness to work with the government and local authorities to meet the commitment.

Police are conducting extensive searches for Anna Hattersley, a 30‑year‑old woman from St Helens last seen at her home on July 13. Officers released her description, details of her clothing, and the areas she is known to frequent, urging the public to report any sightings or information through official channels.