Pennington, Bedford, Siddow Common, Tamar, Westleigh, Higher Folds, Lilford
Leigh is the second largest Town Centre and Eastern Gateway to the Borough, was once an important jewel in the industrial crown of the North West's and has a distinguished industrial heritage of mining, mills, engineering and transport.
Leigh is a very old Parish, located just off the East Lancashire Road (A580). The Town is not as old as the Parish. The Town was created in the 19th Century when the Townships of Westleigh, Pennington and Bedford joined together and the Town of Leigh was formed. The Town received its charter in 1899.
Famous people associated with the Town include:
- Author James Hilton, whose novels include Goodbye Mr Chips
- Newspaper columnist Linda Lee Potter
- 1960's pop star Georgie Fame
The Town Centre offers a variety of independent and national retail outlets for the shopper and a choice of ambling through the 'Spinning Gate' shopping centre or the pedestrianised heart of the Town.
The Civic Square in front of the Town Hall is the focal point for a number of community activities, such as the 'switch on' of the Christmas lights. Leigh can boast of being one of the best decorated Town Centres at Christmas and the official 'switch on' can only be rivalled by Blackpool. The library, which is towards the rear of the square, is the largest in the Borough.
Sport plays an important part in the life and history of Leigh. It has a successful Rugby League Football Club 'Leigh Centurions' and rugby union is also well represented in the area, along with football, cricket and athletics.
The Town offers a number of parks for outdoor recreation and Pennington Country Park, with Pennington Flash, sailing club and golf course.
