THE Xanadu Project deserves a great, if not cautious, welcome to Leigh. It could well be the much needed economic and social boost that Leigh requires to restore its confidence and respect.

That is not simply because of the employment Xanadu will provide. It could greatly increase both the opportunity and the determination of Leigh people, business interests, service, providers as well as young people, schools, churches, social and recreational organisations to make Leigh an attractive town and once again, a town of which to be proud.

But if that is to happen, will it not require something like a town forum, with all those interests represented, to generate some ideas, concerns and enthusiasm?

At the same time, we should be asking those who will be responsible for the Xanadu development for certain assurances, such as:

that the employment opportunities created by the project (up to 6,000 jobs) be filled wherever by local people. (That will raise questions of a contract agreement and of possible training schemes for local people).

that the recreational facilities - swimming, skiing etc. will not be priced beyond the range of local children, schools and people of very limited means.

that the quiet recreational opportunities at present offered by Pennington Country Park (the Flash), such as bird watching, nature walks, family outings, will not be destroyed, spoilt or adversely affected by the Xanadu project.

Of course, Xanadu could be a great 'Paris Disney disaster' - market projections must be something of a gamble!

But Leigh's welcome, enthusiasm, interest and involvement could do a lot to ensure success. So let us support Wigan Council's bid for funding and look forward to further (hopeful) news mid-November.

Alan R.Gawith

Redwaters

Leigh

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.