Tuesday 1st July 2008
(ref:
204/08)
The doors are about to open on an ambitious new project in Worsley Hall which has seen residents’ dreams come true.
A decaying parade of shops has been transformed into an innovative community resource. The first phase, a café, is launched this week and work is underway on the rest of the project.
The site, on Logwood Avenue, was once the location of a mortar mill – hence the name Mortar Mill Community Café - and now thanks to council, Wigan & Leigh Housing and external funding, the first meal is about to be served.
Residents have formed a group called Step Forward to oversee the project. Its chair, Margaret McIntosh, said:
“After many years of high and lows we are now seeing our vision become a reality. Mortar Mill café will be a focal point for the whole community, giving them access to good quality food, employment support, training and advice.”
Deputy Leader of Wigan Council, Cllr David Molyneux, said:
“This is a success for all our partners. The café has been supported by the council through the Neighbourhood Renewal Fund (NRF) to the tune of £116,510.
“I’d also like to acknowledge the involvement of the Area Initiative Fund, Community Property Ladder, and the great work done by Wigan and Leigh Housing and Mears Group, who have overseen the construction work by Bridgeman Building Services.”
Ashley Crumbley, chief executive of Wigan and Leigh Housing, added:
"This brilliant project will give renewed life to the centre of Worsley Hall.
“We know our role is not just to provide good quality housing but to support residents’ efforts in creating a quality environment for people in their neighbourhoods. We know this because our tenants tell us.
“The majority of our board members are democratically elected tenants and John Michaels, our tenant member for Pemberton Area Housing Forum, is delighted to support Margaret and the other residents who have worked so hard over the years with their vision for this project.”
The next phase of the project is expected to see a learning facility with internet and a lending library, offering space for locals to do homework, research and even prepare for job interviews.
