LEIGH town centre is to be further improved to attract both shoppers and businesses.

Wigan Council has unveiled a package of developments aimed at continuing the quality of work carried out in Bradshawgate, and improving business and investment confidence in other parts of the town.

The work has been agreed following extensive consultations with traders and town centre users.

It includes:

Repaving Market Street and King Street using the same high quality materials used in Bradshawgate and Railway Road, and installing new street lights and litter bins.

A second phase in Railway Road, aimed at improving the appearance of the pedestrian route between Parsonage retail park and the town centre. Paving will be upgraded and access for disabled people will be improved.

Lord Street too is to be improved

The block paved area around Ellesmere Street and Portland Street, described as unattractive and functioning poorly is also to have a facelift.

The work will be funded by Coalfield Challenge and the European Rechar programme for coalfield areas.

Planning committee chairman, Cllr John Hilton, said: "The council is committed to make Leigh town centre more attractive for shoppers and retailers alike.

"A lot has already been achieved thanks to Coalfield Challenge, and this latest programme will help to spread the benefits to more parts of the town."

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