History shows us that one way to tackle a recession is through major public works. That’s why the news that we have won £80m for our Wigan Schools for the Future plans – and finally sealed a deal on the new Wigan library and baths – is so important. These visionary projects herald the beginning of an exciting new phase for the borough. Coming on top of regeneration schemes like the Grand Arcade and Leigh Sports Village, they represent an investment of more than a quarter of a billion pounds. The construction work alone will provide a huge shot in the arm for the borough’s economy, creating new opportunities for local people.
WE’RE already working hard to limit the damage of the downturn on our communities, and now a national plan to create jobs and work experience for unemployed young people is coming to Wigan.
AGMA, the Association of Greater Manchester Authorities, has been given £52m to create 8,000 jobs across Greater Manchester – 560 of them in our borough. The Future Jobs Fund will open up new opportunities to get people into important jobs providing paid work in the public services.
It will help to ensure the country does not lose a generation to joblessness in this recession.
TWO open days in Wigan and Leigh attracted hundreds of residents eager to find out more about ‘Prospect’, the council’s contribution to creating more apprenticeships nationally.
We have agreed to take on around 100 people, and offer training plus a salary and the prospect of a full time job. The turnout and the enthusiasm were overwhelming. But it was also sobering to see so many people looking for work or support in the jobs market.
OUR young musicians have every right to be blowing their own trumpets.
From the Wigan Youth Jazz Orchestra, still delighting audiences after 30 years, to the youth brass band fresh from national acclaim at the Birmingham Symphony Hall, they have been superb ambassadors for our borough. It’s a tribute to the dedication of teachers, parents and young people that the name of Wigan has become a byword for great youth music.
