With the council encouraging people to buy local, there’s never been a better time to discover the attractions of your local market. Our right to hold markets was granted by Henry III way back in 1246 – and they’ve been in existence ever since. Wigan was one of Lancashire’s four original royal boroughs, along with Liverpool, Lancaster and Preston, and the market was a sign of its status. Borough Life went to Leigh to find out more.
“We’re really lucky in Leigh to have a thriving market,” said John Doherty, butcher and chair of the Leigh traders. “Some markets have been a bit forgotten over the years, but our customers know that we offer amazing value and friendly service.”
Trade in the borough’s markets is on the up. As a one-stop shop for a huge range of products they are hard to beat for value. Atherton resident Eileen Woods is a regular: “They are a good set of traders,” she said, “and I get a lot more for my money here.”
Greengrocer David West is a fourth generation market man. Locally sourced products and a rapport with his regulars means David feels he provides a service other outlets can’t match. “We really feel we’re part of this town,” he said. “I encourage the kids to choose fruit for their snacks – good for my business and good for them too.”
Market bosses have embraced the ‘buy it local’ message. The council’s deputy leader, Cllr David Molyneux has been visiting local firms and markets. “Shopping locally helps the economy of our borough because it helps to protect local jobs,” he said. “It’s also good for customers too.
“We’re asking people to consider the local options first, whether it’s a major purchase or a weekly food shop.”
There are nine markets around the borough. Some like Wigan and Leigh have both covered and outdoor sections and operate six days a week, others are on different days like Ashton’s on Tuesdays and Saturdays and Tyldesley’s on Fridays.
The council’s policy is to encourage at least two of each kind of stallholder to give people a choice.
Butcher John thinks that is really healthy. “It keeps us on our toes, this competition. It’s a challenge for me to keep getting better.
“Come to your market to see how we measure up on your weekly bills, and appreciate the quality of locally sourced quality products where you can talk directly with the trader.”
Many traders are up and about well before six o’clock each morning, taking deliveries from local suppliers, Manchester’s famous Smithfield Market, or preparing their meats and vegetables. The bakers’ vans arrive at half six. And one Leigh trader who lives in Fleetwood will be on his way bringing freshly caught fish in his van.
“Fresh and friendly,” smiled Michael McKee. The Westleigh shopper is a regular at John’s butchers.
“I can’t be doing with ready meals – I want quality food and someone I know to serve me. Can’t beat the markets for that.”
Tackling the credit crunch together
The Buy Local campaign is just one part of the work that the council has been doing to try and help the borough through the recession. Borough Life looks at what’s happening elsewhere.
Help for advice agencies
The council and its partners have increased funding to Citizens’ Advice Bureau, local credit unions and bodies like Age Concern. This means they are able to provide more advice sessions to more people, with the council and CAB developing a mortgage rescue package.
Talking to the bankers
Wigan Council was one of the very first in the country to meet senior bank bosses to discuss issues such as personal debt, unemployment, housing, mortgage repayments, homelessness, re-training and skills.
Those meetings are continuing to take place.
Checking in at the checkout
When the council learned that Somerfield in Tyldesley was closing its local store it contacted Morrison’s, who were opening a store and worked with them to ensure that 59 Somerfield staff set to lose their jobs were taken on by Morrison’s.
They’ve also helped the store to recruit 70 new staff. Morrison’s have gone on the record as saying they have rarely had such help from a local authority.
Supporting new businesses….
The Wigan Borough Partnership – an umbrella organisation of bodies like the council, college, local employers and NHS – has earmarked over £1.25 million to support the creation of 500 new businesses over the next three years.
This money has come from a government pot called the Working Neighbourhoods Fund and the North West Development Agency, and every new business will be eligible to apply for a start up grant of £1,000 under a scheme set to start shortly.
…and helping existing firms
Funding has now been obtained to help existing businesses through the recession. Low interest loans of up to £3000 will be on offer to overcome cash flow problems. In return they will be asked to support local recruitment, training and apprenticeships. Extra support will also be available to local businesses and community groups to help them win public sector contracts.
Check the website for details – Worklessness (external link)
Shopping for skills
The Working Neighbourhoods Fund is also being used to set up a new Wigan Skills Shop. Along the same lines as the existing skills shop in Leigh, it will be based in the Grand Arcade and offer a ‘one stop shop’ for employment advice and access to job related training.
We want to get Wigan working
Marsh Green resident Tim Bradshaw, 30, performs the official opening of the skills shop. Tim is using the centre to create his CV and job search.
Marsh Green now has its very own skills shop based in the library on Harrow Road offering expert advice and guidance from careers professionals on how best to achieve your goals and search for that dream job.
The centre has six computers that will help people research and look for jobs quickly.
On top of this there will be opportunities to access a whole range of courses from basic skills, literacy and numeracy through to more targeted vocational qualifications.
Wigan Council Chief Executive Joyce Redfearn says: “We need to close the skills gap and tackle the inequalities that persist in some of our communities.”
Help is at hand...
Personal Debt:
Citizens Advice Bureau -
08701 269713
Personal Loans:
Unify Credit Union - 01942 701706
Welcome Credit Union - 01942 828702
Housing:
WALH Housing Options Advice Centre -
01942 487717
Independent Advice on Benefits:
Wigan Independent Advice Centre -
01942 324851
Citizens Advice Bureau -
08701 269713
Age Concern -
01942 241972 (Wigan) or 01942 607337 (Leigh)
Council Tax:
Wigan Council -
01942 828696
Housing Benefit and Council Tax Benefit:
Housing Benefit & Council Tax Benefit - 01942 828644
Free School Meals - 01942 828609
Employment and Business Support:
Wigan Council
Economic Regeneration -
01942 828939
Learning Employment, Advice and Guidance Service -
01942 404456/776793
Mortgages & loans:
The government’s mortgage rescue scheme has now been set up in Wigan.
For information ring:
01942 487717
Fuel/Utility Bills:
Greater Manchester Energy Saving Trust Advice Centre -
FREEPHONE: 0800 512012
Money Saving Day:
Wigan and Leigh Housing is organising a money-saving day, offering friendly and personal advice from a stall on Wigan Outdoor Market on July 3.
