COUNCIL leader Peter Smith gave his end of the year state of the borough address at the final council meeting of the year.

Lord Smith said the most notable achievement was being assessed as an excellent council -- the best in the North West.

He also referred to the £130m secured for council housing and the impact that this would have on the houses and job opportunities on council estates.

He also said that the newly established leisure trust would enable new money to be spent on updating leisure facilities.

The leader referred to the recent budget and reminded members that the biggest impact was paying for 60 new police officers to fight crime.

Looking to next year he said it would be equally challenging with new opportunities in the Leigh Sports Village, the Grand Arcade shopping complex in Wigan and the economic development sites at Wigan, Atherleigh and Bickershaw.