An urgent plea for improved transport links for Leigh has been backed by members of Wigan Council. A motion submitted by deputy leader Councillor Keith Cunliffe calling for better connectivity was presented at the most recent meeting of the Full Council.
It means Wigan Council will ask Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) and the new Mayor of Greater Manchester to consider ‘interim rapid transport systems’ while long term solutions – such as Metrolink – are assessed.
Councillor Cunliffe, told colleagues improvements are a “matter of urgency” for residents in and around Leigh, with higher frequency for existing services and smaller scale infrastructure projects required.
“I know as being part of the Mayoral Development Zone things are happening to see about transport improvement and a feasibility study at getting Metrolink into Leigh. I welcome that,” he said.
“But big infrastructure projects can take years. There are things that can be done in the interim period and that is what we would like to explore.”
He added that increased travel times into locations in Manchester city centre and surrounding areas leave residents socially excluded, causing “barriers to employment, education, and social mobility”.
The motion was seconded by Councillor John Harding who said the local authority will continue to work with Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) to provide improved opportunities.
Speaking in favour of the motion, Councillor Jenny Gregory, who represents Lowton East, called for a re-introduction of services through Leigh to Warrington ‘to help open up opportunities across the GM border and beyond.’
Last year, it was announced that Greater Manchester will receive £2.5bn from the Government for transport-related improvements across the wider region. Part of these plans included proposals for a new transport interchange in Leigh and a potential Metrolink tram line from Manchester.
Coun Cunliffe, who represents the Leigh Central and Higher Folds ward, told the council chamber:
“I have listed some of the times in takes at peak times for residents in Higher Folds to get to various places.
“An hour into Manchester city centre. About one hour and 25 minutes to Media City. One hour and 40 minutes to Old Trafford. Two hours to Manchester Airport. These are places with opportunities for employment and education.
“I welcome the fact there are proposals for infrastructure to improve connectivity, but we’ve heard examples this evening of where connectivity can be improved by switches to services.
“There are opportunities to do things differently, to have services running at night, to work with TfGM, to have improved links to Leigh Sports Village, for example, and other important sites. This motion is about asking TfGM and the new Mayor of Greater Manchester, with the Bee Network, to make a difference for people in Leigh.”
The motion was approved following a vote by all elected members.
(Picture: Mapillary)
