Borough Life Summer 2006: Shorts
Intelligent traffic lights that see motorists coming
Come on, change... It’s a common cry among motorists, but the lights don’t listen. Or do they?
Council engineers are using new technology to help tackle road congestion. ‘Intelligent’ traffic light controllers, already working wonders on the East Lancs Road, are being installed at a number of notorious hot-spots such as Standish crossroads.
The system relies on detection loops placed in the road ahead of existing sensor strips. Computers use the information received to assess the length of queues and, if they increase, so does the length of green light time.
Traffic manager Kevin Hargreaves explains: “Traditional lights use timers and can stay on green even when there’s nothing coming. It can be very frustrating. These systems respond to changes in the flow of traffic, meaning that waiting times can often be cut by a third.”
Kevin’s team meet regularly with experts from the Greater Manchester Urban Traffic Control Unit to review ways of keeping the traffic flowing, which cuts pollution and saves time and money.
At the same time, there is heavy promotion of car sharing, cycling and improvements to bus corridors - contact drivingchange@wigan.gov.uk for more details.
Alarming calls
The council's trading standards team has received complaints about firms targeting elderly residents of the borough with high-pressure sales techniques for security devices such as intercoms and alarms. Residents concerned about home security can take advantage of the local Grass Roots project run by Victim Support. This offers to provide and fit free security devices for people over 65. Grass Roots can be contacted on 01942 322033.
Appealing to young at heart
Wigan Council wants every township in the borough to be the kind of place where people of all ages want to live – with a particular emphasis on young people. Through a new department – Children & Young People’s Services (CYPS) – the council wants every child, whatever their circumstances, to have the support they need to be healthy and safe, enjoy life, make a positive contribution and achieve economic well-being. CYPS unites all the services for children, young people and their families previously carried out by various council departments and partner organisations. Director of children & young people’s services, Ged Rowney, said: “This is an exciting development that builds on existing strengths and aims to provide the best possible future for local children, young people and their families.”
Sports vision unveiled
Here’s one of the first artist’s impressions of the new stadium at Leigh Sports Village.
Bids from firms interested in building the 10,000-seat stadium for use by all the major sporting clubs in the town are currently being invited.
Meanwhile work has now started on Wigan and Leigh College’s new sixth form campus along with the new swimming pool and gym which should be complete by May 2007.
Free advice on consumer helpline
Stressed about scams? Bought faulty goods or had a poor service? Who ya gonna call? For the best advice on all your shopping problems there really is only one number - Consumer Direct.
The government-backed helpline (08454 04 05 06) has arrived in the borough and trading standards chiefs with Wigan Council are urging everyone to use it.
National research suggests consumers could be losing a whopping £8bn a year thanks to faulty goods and services.
Wigan Council’s chief trading standards officer Alan Blundell says: “This year our team dealt with more than 4,000 telephone calls from members of the public about consumer issues. By using this new helpline more residents will be able to access free legal advice and assistance.”
- Consumer Direct (08454 04 05 06) is available from 8am until 6.30pm from Monday to Friday and from 9am until 1pm on Saturdays.
Charity will fix it
Help is at hand for hard-pressed motorists whose vehicles need a little TLC.
’Fix It’ - a council-backed charity that puts local young people on the road to work in the motoring industry - is offering cut-price summer servicing from its Spring View base. Trained mechanics will carry out services and general repairs from just £40 - with the proceeds helping more youngsters gain qualifications and jobs.
The company also trains young people for work in the building industry and can offer a variety of budget-priced services to householders include block paving, patios, and small building works. All the work will be carried out by trained mechanics and builders at the lowest possible prices. Call Phil or Ian on 01942 864936 for more details.