A cabinet minister has been given the lowdown on life in Marsh Green when he popped into the community centre for a chat.
Newly-appointed Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government John Denham took time out from his busy schedule to witness some of the exciting improvement work taking place in the deprived but rapidly-reviving area.
On a sweltering Thursday (June 25) afternoon the MP for Southampton Itchen visited Marsh Green Community Centre for a top-level discussion with Wigan Council Leader Lord Peter Smith, Chief Executive Joyce Redfearn to find out more about life in Wigan.
From here Mr Denham toured the newly re-opened Marsh Green Skills Shop and Library and spoke to local people who are using the much-valued service to find new jobs and careers.
Mum of one Deanne Stiller, 35, from Higher Ince, who is hoping to get back into the jobs’ market after a major illness told the minister how impressed she was with the Skills Shop.
“I’ve been coming to the Marsh Green Skills Shop for some time now and it really has helped me,” she said. “The staff here are really warm and friendly and they really will do all they can to help.
“I’ve got a number of interviews lined up already thanks to the Skills Shop but it’s done more for me than that. It’s given my confidence a big boost and it’s helping me with a new start in life.”
From there Mr Denham returned to the nearby community centre to listen to the concerns of local residents as part of a round the table discussion chaired by ward councillor and Cabinet Champion for Lifestyles Cllr Paul Prescott.
Part of the brief for the minister’s visit was to see what was being done to engage with people within the community and to find out about the challenges facing the area.
Following the meeting Mr Denham said:
“There clearly has been a lot of investment of to improve the social and health facilities to help give people the skills and spirit to go forward.
“From our discussion it is obvious that the people who live here take an active role in their local community are proud and care passionately about it. It’s the kind of behaviour we are looking to encourage in other areas.”
While Cllr Prescott added:
“This was a good meeting with the minister and a very useful exercise. Local people have been to listen to what he had to say but to also put their views forward as well. As a result I think he now understands a little bit more about where we are coming from.
“We are really proud of the community involvement in Marsh Green and we were pleased to share this with such a high-profile guest.”
While Leader of Wigan Council Lord Peter Smith says:
“We're delighted that the new Secretary of State came to Wigan for one of his very first council visits. Like Mr Denham we're keen to hear what local people think of the services we provide.”
