Road works - latest updates

Electricity North West are carrying out major works upgrading their network between Pemberton and Ashton in Makerfield. Over several weeks works will impact on major routes, one of which is  Wigan Road, Ashton in Makerfield

Work commenced on Monday 25th February 2012 between Soughers Lane and Landgate Lane. Temporary traffic signals are in operation at all times for approximately 1 week

Old Road, Ashton in Makerfield
Carriageway resurfacing will be carried out on Old Road between house number 14 and Bardale Grove. To undertake the works the road may be closed between Bryn Street and Eastwell Road on the following dates Sunday 3rd March 2013 and Sunday 10th March 2013 The diversion route is via Wigan Road and Cansfield Grove.

New Rules for Benefits Claimants

From April 2013 people of working age (under 62) in Wigan will begin to move onto Universal Credit. Universal Credit replaces all income related benefits such as Income Support, Job Seekers Allowance, Employment Support Allowance, Child Tax Credit and Working Family Tax Credit. Universal.

 Credit is paid monthly and will also include the claimants Housing Benefit payment with the responsibility of paying the rent falling on the tenant.Claim for Universal Credit, or to notify DWP of any changes to Universal Credit must be done online.

It is recognised that some residents will need help with this new system. Wigan & Leigh Housing in partnership with Wigan Council are offering a series of FREE courses throughout the Borough to help people GET Online or to manage their money more effectively.

If you would like more details contact  0800 389 7652  Text: 07797 806546

Email: GETTraining@walh.co.uk

Free Office Furniture

Wigan and Leigh Housing has undergone a major reorganisation and have been able to make significant savings on accommodation costs within the Borough. Consequently they are in the position of having some used furniture which they would like to offer to local Voluntary Groups and Charitable Organisations at no cost provided. Groups can collect and agreed to receive the items in good faith.
Items that will be available on the day are:
Desk, tables, chairs, filing cabinets, cupboards, desk screens, pedestals, notice boards etc..

An Open Day has been arranged for Wednesday the 20th of March at the Halls Removal Store, Phoenix Works, Tram Street, Platt Bridge, WIGAN, WN2 5JE

from 1000 until 1400 hrs. It will be on a strict first come basis and nothing can be reserved in advance. Organisations must provide their own transport.

If you require any further information please do not hesitate to contact David Spilsbury, details below.

David M Spilsbury, Furnished Homes Manager, Wigan and Leigh Housing, Unity House, Westwood Park Drive, WIGAN, WN3 4HE Telephone: 01942 70 50 40

Warrington Road / Liverpool Road junction

Electricity North West have had to set up temporary 4 way lights at this junction due to an emergency fault.The lights were set up last night and I will give an update as more information is received

End of free swimming

As a direct result of the vicious cut in expenditure imposed on Wigan Council by the Tory Liberal Coalition Government the Cabinet decided at the meeting of the 8th February to abolish free swimming from the 1st April 2013. 

This measure will save the Council and the PCT £106,000 a year.

Mildred Millington

It was with great sadness that I learnt this week of Mildred Millington who was Bryn  Councillor for many years. I would like to extend my sympathies to all her family.

The funeral will be held on Monday 25th February at 10.45 in St Thomas's church Ashton.

Upgrading the railway line from Wigan to Huyton

The railway line from Wigan to Huyton is due to be electrified in December 2014 and one of the first requirements is to identify and modify any bridges on the route in order to accommodate the overhead line equipment OLE.

As part of this modernisation Network Rail  need to reconstruct the road bridge spanning the railway on Bryn Road and this will require the road to be closed for a period of time. Network Rail has previously tried to lower the track at this location to prevent highway disruption; however unfortunately this has not provided sufficient clearance for the OLE. The works should start this summer.

Network Rail  intend to inform nearby residents of the work via letter well in advance of the work.

If you require any further information about the modernisation of the railway line you can visit the electrification section of Network Rail's website at: http://www.networkrail.co.uk/aspx/12273.aspx

Newly Refurbished Post Office in Ashton

As a part of the three year investment and support programme the Post Office is to modernise the main post office in Ashton.

This will mean:

• a newly refurbished branch providing a modern open plan environment for customers
• the same products and service
• longer opening hours - the post office will be open on Saturday from 9.00 to 5.30 pm
• selected Post Office services will be available at the retail counter during shop opening hours. 

The new look post office is scheduled to open at the current location on Thursday 28th March at 9.00.

However it will need to close for refurbishment on Tuesday 12th March at 5.30 pm. Customers will have to use the post offices in  Golborne Asda or Old Road during that time.