Calling all parish mappers
Sir, – In 1997 Soroptimist International of Wigan spearheaded a three year Millennium project – the Parish Map.
Over 300 people from all parts of the borough contributed many fine pieces of work which resulted in a magnificent legacy for our borough in the form of a textile wall hanging representing those things that are most valued by residents.
The Parish Map’s 28 panels have been on display in the History Shop in Wigan for the past five years but will be taken down at the end of this year to allow preparation for a new exhibition.
Do you remember working on the map? The excitement it generated and the friendships you made? We are inviting everyone to visit the History Shop between now and December to see the map. Guided tours can be arranged.
President Bridget, Soroptimist International of Wigan
Thank you for the music
Young musicians in tune with our twins in Angers.
Sir, – I recently had the pleasure of being part of the Wigan and Leigh twinning visit to Angers. I felt I had to write in praise of the young band musicians who were part of the twinning association. Everybody who saw and heard these young people were so impressed by their musical ability, their professionalism and their attitude to their part in this 20th anniversary visit.
There is so much negativity in people’s perception of the youth of Wigan but this visit certainly opened my eyes – and ears – to the wealth of talent which exists in Wigan.
Maureen Smith, Blenheim Road, Ashton
Can’t we stop these yobs?
Sir, – Congratulations to the volunteers who put together the wonderful displays of flowers we’ve seen again this year around the town. I’d like to know how they get so much into each container.
To hear about this good work in the autumn Borough Life makes it more painful to see the destruction of the containers on the fence outside Lowton St Luke’s School. For the second year running mindless vandalism ruined this display. What a terrible example for the young children who see this on the mornings after the night before.
For goodness sake can’t we stop the minority of yobs (who are also somebody’s children) intent on spoiling it for the majority.
David Hoult, Lowton (by email)
Disgusting habit which beggars belief
Sir, – Can I appeal to dog walkers not to scoop their pet’s poop then tie it to the branch of the nearest tree! When out walking along the canal the other day I saw several examples of this disgusting habit. It beggars belief that anyone would do this. Take it home with you! Mind you the council could also help by having more dog waste bins.
Dog lover, Ince (by email)
While we’re glad that more and more people are now picking up dog waste, we echo our reader’s appeal not to leave the bag to rot on the nearest branch. It’s not well known that you can put properly wrapped dog waste in any ordinary litter bins, which get emptied frequently. There are more than 1,700 of these across the borough and we’re going to make the message clearer on the side of the bins.
A complete waste of our money?
Borough Life... readers say its their top source of information about the council.
Sir, – I am writing about Borough Life. In my opinion this is a complete and utter waste of the taxpayer’s money. I suggest that the termination of this pointless drivel could free up some of our money which could then be spent where it could do some good i.e. giving us somewhere safe to walk.
T. Appleton, Orrell
Editor’s note: Obviously we can’t please everyone but many readers take a different view. In a survey of 1,000 members of the borough’s Citizens’ Panel, eight out of ten said they think Borough Life is good or very good, and it’s their top source of information about the council.
We try to make the magazine interesting and informative. Councils have a duty to communicate regularly with their taxpayers and this is the most cost-effective way of doing so. In fact Borough Life was recently a runner up in the Council Publication of the Year category of the national Good Communication Awards.
