LEIGH residents are invited to have their say on shaping the future of the borough.

Wigan planners are starting preparation now for new homes, shops, industry and leisure in 2016.

An exhibition on the updating of the Unitary Development Plan, which was prepared a decade ago and formally adopted in 1996, will go on show in Leigh Library and Wigan's New Market Street planning department between February 12 and 26 when consultation ends.

And any local society or organisation can apply for a speaker from the department to attend meetings to discuss topics involved the the published issues report.

This covers new employment sites, protecting existing business, encouraging tourism, new housing, protecting the green belt, wildlife, transport, new developments and helping the town centres to prosper.

The issues report is available free from the planning department, library or district office or can be seen on the council website at www.wiganmbc.gov.uk.

Groups wanting a speaker can contact the UDP Review team on 01942 404238 or by e-mail at planningpolicy@wiganmbc.gov.uk or in writing to the Director of Planning and Development, Policy and Information Section (UDP Review), Civic Buildings, New Market Street, Wigan, WN1 1RP.

Planning and development director, John Sloane, said: "I hope very much that all local residents will take this consultation process seriously. It is a genuine opportunity to help shape the borough's future."