Local plan, VE Day and a new exhibition

Local plan, VE Day and a new exhibition

This month sees the continuation of a consultation period for our borough’s Local Plan, which is a planning and development blueprint that is required in every area of the country.

It helps local authorities guide decisions on future development proposals, to help ensure the right mix of housing, employment and retail opportunities.

All planning applications should be in line with the Local Plan, so it’s very important that we develop one that reflects our future borough.

And it will play a big part alongside our Progress With Unity plans, helping our towns to flourish and tackle some of the inequalities within our communities.

I would encourage everyone to have a read of the draft proposals and have their say as part of the consultation, which is now open until Tuesday, 24 June.

Now May is here, we have played our part in the VE Day celebrations.

Remembering the sacrifices of our Armed Forces personnel and significant milestones in our nation’s history are always important parts of our calendar. This year’s is extra special, given it is the 80th anniversary.

The red, white and blue of the union flag were raised on the day itself – Thursday, 8 May – followed by street parties and gatherings across the borough over the course of the bank holiday weekend.

I would like to pass on our thanks and gratitude to local firm Buildings 2 Clean Ltd for their work cleaning Leigh’s Cenotaph ahead of VE Day.

And finally, a new exhibition of artwork from a well-renowned borough collection will be in display at Leigh’s Turnpike Gallery from this month.

Selected prints and drawings from the Drumcroon Collection – including works from well-known British artists – will be on show from Saturday, 10 May, through until March 2026.

The selection of more than 50 pieces from the collection is the most significant exhibition of Drumcroon artwork since all its collections were placed in storage following the closure of the Drumcroon Education Arts Centre in Wigan, in 2011.

For more information about what’s coming up at the Turnpike, visit Turnpike website (external link).

Read and take part in the Local Plan consultation.