The recession poses one of the most pressing challenges to the quality of life in the borough during the coming year. The council will be doing all it can to help and advise those affected by the downturn.
One way we will help is by using government regeneration funds to support new and existing businesses.
We also have to think about when the economy picks up. It will not be the same as it was when there was expansion with business credit.
We want to see a more sustainable economy and we’re determined to make sure there are jobs for our young people when we move out of the recession.
There is the prospect of some really good news if we are successful in the Building Schools for the Future project.
This massive investment will give us the chance to transform the lives of children in our borough.
But it’s about much more than schools. As we’ve shown in Platt Bridge and in the new Abraham Guest School in Orrell, the programme will benefit whole communities and provide a campus of public services on one site.
The £257M investment will also offer a chance to create much-needed local jobs in our construction industry.
Twenty three years after they sailed along the canal to Wigan Pier, and 32 years since the silver jubilee visit to Leigh, the Queen and Prince Philip have been back to our borough to see Heinz and Leigh Sports Village.
It was a great day for local pride. Think Wigan and you can’t help think Heinz. This company has been our major employer for over half a century, a great ambassador for the borough and its workforce as well as providing jobs for generations of local families.
The royal couple also gave their seal of approval to our unique sports village in Leigh. They were impressed with a project that has put the town on the national sporting map and is fast becoming a beacon for regeneration.
It shows what can be achieved when public and private sectors work together with local people.
