Public urged to have their say
It’s been described as one of the most important decisions ever for our area… and you can have your say.
In the last edition of Borough Life we featured proposals for a major investment in public transport improvements, to be partly paid for by a weekday, peak time only congestion charge on vehicles travelling into and out of Manchester city centre.
Now a Greater Manchester-wide referendum on the Transport Innovation Fund (TIF) plans is being held in early December.
Ballot papers will be sent out in late November to everyone on the electoral register. The deadline for ballot papers to be returned is 11 December and the results, broken down by council area, will be announced on 12 December.
A dedicated call centre for residents’ enquiries about the referendum is open from 9am to 5pm, Monday to Saturday on 0800 783 9828. Calls are free and operatives will be on hand to answer all queries about the poll.
Returning Officer Sir Neil McIntosh said: “I am determined to ensure that everyone who is entitled to have their say is able to do so and that the process is as clear as possible.”
More information about the referendum can be found at Referendum Returning Officer (external link)
Questions about the actual TIF proposals are being dealt with by the Greater Manchester Passenger Transport Executive. Their freephone helpline is 0800 234 6100.
Phone’s a friend...
IT was once at the cutting edge of technology…
Sleek, shiny, the latest, must-have accessory…
Now it’s got all the grace of a house-brick and sits at the back of your drawer gathering dust. Yet your old mobile phone can still do a lot of good. Age Concern in Wigan borough can earn at least £3 for every old mobile phone it collects, no matter what condition it is in. The money raised will keep older people informed and supported, as well as helping the environment.
You can take your old phone to Age Concern offices at 68 Market Street, Wigan, or 96 Bradshawgate, Leigh. Or call Age Concern on 01942 241972 for a freepost envelope to put it in.
Saturday services
It’s Saturday morning and you’ve just had a letter from the council tax people… You’re worried and don’t want to leave it till next week to sort it out… But it’s the weekend and the council won’t be there, will they? You might think so, but you’d be wrong.
You can now ring environmental services, council tax and benefits staff between 8am and 6pm on Monday to Friday, and from 8am till 12.30pm on Saturdays. These are the services most often contacted by residents and the move is part of the council’s plan to be more customer-friendly.
Chief Executive Joyce Redfearn says: “People lead busy lives and often find it difficult to contact us during traditional working hours. We need to be more concerned about what is convenient for our customers rather than what is administratively convenient for us.”
The numbers to ring are:
- Environmental services (for example, bins, roads, litter, streetlights) – 01942 404364
- Council tax queries – 01942 828696
- Housing benefits and council tax benefits – 01942 828644
People with a computer can report problems or pay bills on line at any time of the day or night at our website Wigan Council (external link)
Support given to stroke victims
Every year, an estimated 150,000 people in the UK have a stroke, making it the country's leading cause of severe disability.
In Wigan there's a group named Think Ahead which exists to offer support to stroke survivors, their families and carers – but they need YOUR help.
Think Ahead currently helps over 350 members to improve the quality of their lives by providing friendship, information, advice and education. It organises outings, respite care and social activities such as art, book and computer clubs.
Stroke survivor Jan Hobson, from Ashton, says: ”Attending the club gives me a reason to get out of bed, get dressed, put on a bit of make-up, as I've somewhere to go and people to see. It has helped build my confidence.”
Administrator Carol Sankey says: “The group is united by a common thread as its members are all stroke survivors or carers.
“They understand the difficulties encountered by stroke and look out for each other.
“We'd love to hear from people or companies that can support our fund raising activities, or anyone who would like to volunteer to help our members.”
For more information about Think Ahead, visit the group's website at Think Ahead (external link) or telephone Carol Sankey on 01942 824888.
Voice of the veterans
Britain’s first veterans’ council is up and running – and it’s right here in Wigan.
Since being featured in this summer’s Borough Life, Wigan Borough Veterans’ Council has been meeting regularly at Platt Bridge Community Centre.
It will act as a voice for veterans, taking up issues on behalf of individuals and organisations alike.
Bill Martin, County Secretary of The Royal British Legion says: “We have already been in contact with the local NHS and its GPs to ensure that veterans receive priority care if their illness or injury can be attributed to their service in the forces. We are also contacting veteran’s badge holders to see if they would like to become members of our council.”
If you are a veteran over the age of 18, why not contact Wigan Borough Veterans’ Council now? Email wbvc@hotmail.co.uk or write to Wigan Borough Veterans’ Council, C/O The Royal British Legion, 14 St James Court, Wilderspool Causeway, Warrington, WA4 6PS.
Prince backs young actors
All the world’s a stage for drama students Aylish Roberts and Joe Parker after they picked up plaudits from Prince Charles. Hesketh Fletcher pupils Aylish and Joe, both 14, came to face-to-face with His Royal Highness after exiting the stage at the Royal Shakespeare Company (RSC) in Stratford. And the Prince was so impressed with the talented teens that he’s even offered them a night out at the ballet!
Tasty accolade
The council’s groundbreaking school meals and catering service is the best there is…and that’s official! Metrofresh has just been voted the best local authority catering service in the country at an annual excellence awards ceremony.
