Improving the environment of Wigan Borough is a key council objective as it links with important themes such as encouraging investment, improving quality of life, increasing tourism and community respect, and fostering civic pride. The urban environment is highly visible and can make a lasting impression on how people feel about the borough. Wigan Council, and its partners, are working closely with residents to present 'Wigan Borough in Bloom' - a major initiative which is part of the council's cleaner, greener agenda.
North West in Bloom 2007
- Most improved Borough - overall winner
- Second place to Chester in the "Large City" category
- Best small visitor attraction: the Galleries shopping centre
During the last few years, the council has planted over 2.5 million bulbs and trees across the borough. The majority of the planting was undertaken by a partnership involving the council, British Trust for Conservation Volunteers, Wigan Rotary Club, Youth Offending Teams, Police Cadets and Wigan Leisure and Culture Trust.
Many more daffodil and crocus bulbs have been planted by a host of community groups and schools working with the council's Street Scene team.
Perennial low maintenance flower beds were planted off Spinning Jenny Way in Leigh, Liverpool Road Ashton and Darlington Street in Wigan. Tree planting, in locations such as Bolton Road Aspull, Crow Orchard Road Standish and Woodhouse Lane Beech Hill, have further enhanced the local street scene. Over 400 extra heavy trees have been planted in the last three years.
Deputy Leader of Wigan Council Cllr John O’Neill is championing the environmental projects. He says:
“We are working hard to transform Wigan Borough for the benefit of everyone and to attract new visitors and shoppers. Locals have really been positive about how the town has been brightened up. The fact that Wigan Borough can hold its own against tough competition from the best of the North West is wonderful news. It is a tribute to the hard work of everyone – residents, community groups, colleagues in Housing and the Leisure Trust, as well as the council’s officers. It’s a terrific team effort and the true winner is the borough itself.”
A recent survey of people in Wigan town centre revealed that 47 per cent said that new floral displays were the most recognisable recent additions to the town.
2007's awards successes come after extensive partnership working. Cllr O'Neill, officers, volunteers and colleagues continue to work closely to deliver a cleaner, greener agenda across the borough.
This year has seen the steering group get involved a wide variety of projects and displaying more flowers and trees than ever before. Some schemes which the judges saw on their inspection were:
- Hindley Prison – the prisoners have been growing herbaceous perennials on behalf of the council for planting around the borough
- Leigh Civic Square – “Eye-full” towers, guardails and other displays organised with the township forum
- Working with local schools, linking into curriculum activities including business enterprise, such as the 40 foot polytunnel at Pembec School in Wigan
Please contact the team if you, or your group, want to get involved in planting, litter picks or environmental improvement works.
