Jessica Mckeown

Wigan Council has opened applications for businesses, makers, performers and event organisers interested in trading or participating at the new Wigan Market at Fettlers. The market, due to open next spring in Wigan town centre, will include independent retail, fresh and street food, bars, cafés, makers and services, alongside daytime and evening events. The council will operate the venue directly and is working with existing Wigan Market traders to support their move to the new Market Hall. An information day is planned to explain the project and application process, while the wider aim is to attract visitors, support local businesses and build on Wigan’s market-town heritage.

Leigh is forecast to have a largely settled and pleasant August weekend. Friday will be warm with sunny intervals but increasing afternoon showers, while Saturday and Sunday should be mostly sunny and dry, with temperatures reaching about 19°C. Winds will remain light, pollen levels are expected to be low, and visibility should generally be good except during heavier Friday showers.

Bedford High School has recorded its strongest GCSE results for the second consecutive year, with Year 11 students securing places at colleges and sixth forms, as well as opportunities in apprenticeships, training and employment. Hannah O and Adrian G each achieved six grade 9s and three grade 8s, while Eva C gained five grade 9s and four grade 8s. The students plan to study science and mathematics-related subjects at Winstanley College or Bolton Sixth Form, with ambitions to become a doctor or psychologist. Headteacher Paul McCaffery credited the students, staff, parents and wider school community for the results.

Harrison Family Vets in Tyldesley has reported more than 460 grass-seed-related cases across its 10 practices since May, with dogs suffering painful injuries to their ears, noses, paws and other areas. The practice attributes the increase partly to hot, dry conditions and advises owners to check dogs after every walk, especially around the ears, paws, toes, armpits and tail, while seeking veterinary help for deeply embedded seeds or signs of discomfort.

GS Contractors Ltd has received Wigan Council approval to build a 12-by-12-metre secure metal storage and workshop building at its Pauline Street yard in Hindley Green. The facility will protect machinery and vehicles from vandalism and theft. The council found no significant environmental, amenity, highway-safety or traffic-impact concerns, but imposed conditions covering surface-water drainage, site stability and safety. Construction has not yet begun, and the permission is valid for three years.

A four-bedroom detached house in Meadow Beck, Leigh, is being marketed by Cooke & Company for £399,995. The freehold property occupies a corner plot in a modern development and is arranged over three floors, with multiple living areas, a fitted kitchen and dining space, four bedrooms, three bathrooms or shower rooms, front and rear gardens, and side-driveway parking. The home has nearby rail links and several primary schools within approximately one mile, with viewings available by appointment.

A three-bedroom semi-detached house on Galloway Close in Leigh is listed by Ashtons Estate Agency for offers over £250,000. The property includes a lounge, modern kitchen-diner, downstairs WC, three bedrooms, an en-suite principal bedroom, family bathroom, double driveway and front and rear gardens. It is close to shops, amenities, four schools and several railway stations, making it potentially attractive to first-time buyers, growing families and people seeking commuter access.

Damhouse Astley will host its annual summer garden party on August 8 from 10:30am to 5:30pm. The free family event will include live music, a makers’ market, vintage games, children’s entertainment, a bouncy castle, refreshments and a dog show organized by Makants Greyhound Rescue. Money raised will support the conservation of the Grade II listed 16th-century manor house, which is managed by the Morts Astley Heritage Trust. Free parking will be available at St Stephen’s Primary School playing fields.

A land train will return to Haigh Woodland Park in Wigan during the summer holidays, running between the courtyard and Plantation Gates from 10:30am until around 3pm. Journeys will take about 20 minutes, with cash and card payments accepted on board and no advance booking required. The relaunch is part of a multimillion-pound restoration of Haigh Hall and its woodland park, supported by Wigan Council, the National Lottery Heritage Fund and Levelling Up Funding. Wigan Council has also committed £380,000 to reopening the 1.6km woodland railway, which has been closed since 2020.

A planning application by Sowley Properties Limited to convert a three-bedroom house on Twist Lane in Leigh into a four-bedroom HMO was withdrawn on July 6. Residents and councillors Sam Ashton and Lee Moffitt had objected over potential parking shortages, noise, waste collection problems and the area's alleged overconcentration of HMOs. The property's withdrawal leaves it temporarily vacant, and no public reason has been given for the decision.

DMR Training and Consultancy Limited in Leigh was found by Ofsted to meet expected standards across safeguarding, inclusion, leadership and governance. The provider was praised for supporting diverse adult learners, adapting construction training to local skills needs and maintaining a respectful, safety-conscious environment. Inspectors recommended more thorough evaluation of teaching quality, stronger staff professional development, improved course completion and better outcomes for learners facing barriers.

Wigan Council refused D Singh’s proposal to convert 67 Twist Lane in Leigh from a single-family home into a four-bedroom, four-person HMO. Although the property met internal space, amenity and immediate HMO-concentration standards and was close to public transport, the council cited existing HMO clustering, parking restrictions, potential noise and waste issues, and the loss of family housing. Councillors, residents and Jo Platt also objected, and planning officers concluded that the intensified use would harm the area’s character, housing balance and neighbouring residents.

A nine-year-old student from Leigh St Mary’s Primary School won the Wigan Pride T‑shirt design competition with a colourful jigsaw-themed design promoting kindness and self‑acceptance. She received her prize at a mayoral reception attended by local officials, judges, and runners‑up from other area schools. Organisers highlighted the competition as a way to promote Wigan Pride’s values of inclusion. This year’s Wigan Pride event will take place on August 8 in Wigan town centre with entertainment and activities across two stages.

Reverend Chris Buice of the Tennessee Valley Unitarian Universalist Church will visit Chowbent Unitarian Chapel in Atherton on August 9 to lead a special service. Known for his social justice work and leadership following a 2008 mass shooting, Buice has longstanding ties to the UK through previous teaching roles and time as a student in Manchester. The chapel invites the community to attend the service, highlighting his reputation for uplifting and thoughtful preaching.

Two Belong care villages in Wigan and Atherton were ranked among the top 100 UK care homes for 2026 by comparison site Lottie, with Belong Wigan additionally placed in the top 10 for wellbeing. Both sites hold Outstanding ratings from the Care Quality Commission and have accumulated further recognition, including perfect scores from carehome.co.uk and shortlistings for national dementia and palliative care awards. Leaders and family members highlighted the organisation’s personalised, compassionate approach and strong staff dedication.

The Homeless Support Project in Leigh showcased its services during a visit by Jo Platt MP and representatives of The National Lottery Community Fund, highlighting how new multi‑year lottery funding will secure staff roles and maintain support for increasing numbers of people facing homelessness. Visitors toured food storage facilities and met staff, volunteers, and trustees, while the charity also acknowledged contributions from local businesses such as Laltex and regular donors who help sustain its meal services.

A new supported housing scheme, Lock 20 Foyer in Wigan, has opened to help young people experiencing homelessness transition toward independent living. Developed by Your Housing Group, the facility provides accommodation, education, training and wellbeing support. Senior figures from housing organisations and local government attended the opening, which featured speeches, a ribbon-cutting and a panel discussion highlighting challenges such as the cost-of-living crisis, mental health and barriers to employment. The event emphasised the need for greater support for youth-focused supported housing initiatives.

A warm, dry and sunny weekend is forecast for Leigh, with temperatures peaking around 26C on Friday before easing slightly through Sunday. Rain chances remain very low throughout, winds stay light, and visibility is expected to be very good. High pollen levels may affect hay fever sufferers, but conditions overall support outdoor activities across the weekend.

Bev Craig launched her Greater Manchester mayoral manifesto, proposing fare freezes for buses and Metrolink, expanded free travel for young people, and the delivery of 50,000 affordable homes. Her plans include enhanced homelessness support, investment in schools, new baby boxes, and expanded training opportunities. Economic regeneration measures feature a £20 million high street scheme and an expanded Good Growth Fund. She also pledged increased neighbourhood policing, an anti‑social behaviour unit, improved lighting, and expanded CCTV as part of a Neighbourhood Guarantee. The election takes place on July 30.

Police are seeking information after three masked men attempted to break into a home on Wigan Road in Leigh on June 10 before fleeing when disturbed. Authorities released an image of a man they want to identify and urged the public to provide information via the police non-emergency line or Crimestoppers.

Gary Atherton, a site manager from Atherton, received his sixth NHBC Pride in the Job award for his work on David Wilson Homes’ Calder Rise development in Preston. He credited the achievement to the teamwork across the site, where he also works alongside his daughter Danielle. Barratt Redrow site managers collectively secured 122 awards this year, continuing the company’s long-running industry lead. The awards, considered among the most prestigious in housebuilding, recognise consistency, technical skill and attention to detail. David Wilson Homes’ leadership emphasised the company’s commitment to building high‑quality homes.

A vacant fruit and vegetable shop at 140 Atherton Road in Hindley has received approval to be converted into three multi‑storey flats, replacing earlier plans for two and then four units. The proposal by applicant Matt Mitchell includes full renovation of the building exterior, new residential doors and windows, and creation of a rear bin and cycle store with a communal area. Wigan Council’s Housing Enabling Team supported the plan due to rising town‑centre housing demand, while transport officers raised no objections despite the lack of dedicated parking, citing the sustainable location. The development meets national space standards and is expected to reduce vehicle movements compared with the site’s previous commercial use.

A semi‑detached three‑bedroom home on Hazel Road in Atherton is listed for offers over £240,000. The property features an EV charging point, generous parking, modern kitchen and dining areas with French doors to a private rear garden, and three first‑floor bedrooms. It is located close to several primary schools, Atherton High School, and nearby rail stations. The listing is handled by Arc Homes.

A bus shelter on Market Street in Leigh will be relocated about 100 metres from its current position outside NatWest to a site near the obelisk and library following Wigan Council’s approval. JCDecaux UK proposed the move, which includes an illuminated double‑sided advertisement unit designed to meet brightness and heritage‑area requirements. Planning officers and conservation officials raised no objections, and the location was agreed with Transport for Greater Manchester. The council concluded the plan complies with national and local development policies concerning amenity, safety, design and conservation.

A planning application proposes demolishing the derelict Red Lion pub on Westleigh Lane in Leigh and replacing it with three two-bedroom homes featuring solar panels, parking, EV charging points and cycle storage. The site has been vacant for years and is linked to antisocial behaviour. GTTD Properties Ltd submitted the plans to Wigan Council, with landscaping and accessibility improvements included. A decision is pending, and plans are available under reference A/26/100918/FULL.

A local support charity in Wigan and Leigh welcomes the repeal of the 1824 Vagrancy Act, arguing that criminalising rough sleeping pushed vulnerable people away from essential services. The outreach team leader emphasises the complex challenges faced by people living on the streets and highlights collaborative efforts with local authorities and partner organisations to provide coordinated housing and clinical support.

Bolton Cancer Voices has appointed Philip O’Connor as its new musical director, bringing experience as both conductor and singer. Founder Karen Elliott welcomed the appointment and encouraged new members to join, highlighting the choir’s supportive environment and the health and social benefits of singing. The group, open to anyone with a cancer diagnosis, continues to perform locally and offers free membership.

Elan Homes has released a limited number of properties for off‑plan purchase at the Brook Gardens development in Leigh, a 34‑home project identified for housing more than a decade ago. The builder reports strong buyer interest and plans to open a show home soon. Early purchasers can customize interiors and may benefit from a temporary £10,000 deposit boost. Homes feature energy‑efficient designs including solar panels, triple glazing and EV charging points, while nearly £60,000 is allocated for local community improvements such as parks and tree planting.

A new £400,000 MERKUR Slots gaming venue has opened on Bradshawgate in Leigh as part of a £5 million UK investment programme. The centre features modern slot machines and bingo games and will create 10 local jobs. MERKUR highlights ongoing national expansion and community support through its charitable MERKUR Community programme, which has donated over £308,000 to nearly 200 groups since early 2024. The UK arm operates more than 220 gaming centres and continues to invest in high street locations.