Old library needs flattening and something more modern put in it's place Looks like a shithole at moment Love leigh Market, get all my produce and meat from there ,better quality than supermarkets This is a very unambitious plan for this part of the town centre. As a business owner with a property adjacent to the Turnpike and the Civic Square I have not been consulted on this. We are a not-for-profit dance org and we are desperate to expand and make our building accessible - this could have been included in the plans. I’m not sure how bigger planters will help this area - it’s already used for various public events so should the square be a priority? Improving the buildings and facilities around the square would make more sense e.g the Theatre planned for the Turnpike, WigLe Dance & the old conservative club. There is a huge problem with anti-social behaviour in this area of Leigh and expecting them to all to go to the new youth venue at the Sports Village is unrealistic. We need town centre youth venues that are neutral and young people need access to culture and creativity as well as sports. Will the owners of the buildings in the town centre match this fund? Do the pound shops and charity shops care enough? There should be investment to transform the town centre into a leisure destination - not do a paint job on the terrible retail offer that exists and is underused. The town centre is always quiet because everyone is at the various retail parks around the town. This is maintenance that the Council should be paying for anyway. Please reconsider submitting this bid and contact more local organisations to have their say and share their ideas. having read a lot of the comments from people claiming to be happy with this bid I am astounded. I cannot see how a bit of planting and creating more traffic congestion are going to help leigh. Leigh has become somewhere people drive through to get to somewhere else no amount of plants at the town hall will change this if the plan was to build something new i could maybe get on board but given the state of the current library and surrounding buildings I dont trust the council to run and maintain a new space. there is also the problem of antisocial behaviour that runs unchecked both day and night in this area why should we spend money to make it nicer for this element of our societypeople clearly are not reading this element before commenting. I have been a shop keeper in leigh for 24 years and since I first came to Leigh the town has gone through several changes never for the better. When i first came to leigh the independent shop keepers used to have reasonably regular meetings with the council, police and other interested parties including our MP occasionally about the town its standards and proposals they never listened not once if they did not come up with the idea it never went forward and not once did they listen when they were told things would not work so slowly the town has gone down hill lots of those businesses have closed and the few of us left became so disillusioned we stopped participating . In the years trading in Leigh I have never owned my building I have had several Landlords as the properties I have rented have changed hands not one of my Landlords has ever lived in Leigh and not one of my Landlords have ever spent any money on their building unless I have threatend to take legal action for them to even do running repairs so why would they volunteer to spend one penny of their own money doing something to improve a town they care nothing for on something that will make them no money. As a shop keeper i would love my building to look fantastic but no landlord is going to make that a reality. then we come to antisocial behaviour in Leigh it would be impossible to have no shutters we have had our window broken 5 times with shutters our skylights on the roof have been broken every time we have fixed then so now they are boarded up. the current seating is occupied daily with drunks druggies and other nefarious individuals who are never challenged or moved on. in the afternoon it becomes a playground for school children who reap havoc either from the roofes of the premises or on the ground stealing, vandalising and abusing shops or people going about their business. No one stops then no police attend all that happens is they continue until they are bored then they move on. of an evening its a ghost town with drug taking stealing and more vandalism plus the added chance of physical violence until this is dealt with no amount of money is going to encourage anyone to want to come to Leighthe market has been neglected from the day it opened the council have spent no money on improvements barely maintaining it despite making stall rentals almost as expensive as shop rent no grant money should be spent on this this should be done from Wigan Councils own money and done regardless of whether we receive this money as should the outside market not tents on friday and saturdaythe whole 20 million is needed to start to put right the years of neglect but there are lots of things that could be done even without the money like free parking all day every day, better policing, compulsory purchase of the neglected property all over leigh town center and repurposing of those properties. reducing rents in the market to tempt new stall holders and keep existing ones. incentives for independent shops the types we want (not more charity,hairdressers,estate agents, fast food) these should not be on your main shopping street there are plenty of side streets, forming of a town comittee to focus spending in leigh not run by the council but by the people of leigh. without these things being in place any money received will be wasted on flower baskets that double as bins and require constant maintainance, sculptures that blow budgets and money disappearing into a black hole of crooked contracts for work that is substandard and for which no one is accountable A great idea but not a necessary change. It is important that other proposals are accepted before luxuries. If all businesses got onboard this would be great and would definitely change the atmosphere and peoples views of bradshawgate. The indoor market is clearly outdated which makes this proposal a necessary one. It has so much potential but currently the market isn’t a visually pleasant place It will be nice that Leigh could be improved for once. We miss out on a lot of funding due to Wigan council covering such a wide area. The residents of Leigh will be greatful. We want you to use the full £20 million made available. I like the idea of increased greenery and making the space more flexible. However, it is a busy road in front of the library. Will this increase traffic and congestion? Will it be a nice place to sit if there are rows of traffic nearby? Also, lots of substance misusers are still locating this area, in groups, walking by. What is the plan to ensure this becomes for local family’s and people? People on their lunch etc, could maybe work outside? I think Sale town centre is a great example of this. Leigh needs more independent food places/business’/bars. To improve the town centre, lots of Eastern European males in cars are always parked on the roads and pavements. Especially on Union St in Leigh. It’s difficult to walk down and doesn’t feel like a nice safe space. This is usually outside the vape shop/chip shop/newsagents. Everybody has to walk in the road to get past. Sale town centre is another great example. Lovely food hall, different business’ there every month. Trying new foods and drink. You really need to look at the surrounding areas in order to get people into this space,. It’d be nice if there was an increase in dog friendly places, as people from further into Leigh (off Holden Rd) can walk their dogs, get some food, enjoy a drink. This is definitely something Leigh is missing. Also nice for mums to be able to walk the dog and baby and enjoy some food and drink in a nice environment. The ideas are good, however needs to form part of a wider plan. Homelessness, drug/alcohol users are more and more visible throughout Leigh. If this is still an issue, no matter how nice it looks, people will not wish to visit due to worries of the people associating there. Also, what about young people and teenagers? Where can they go and be welcomed? Youth groups/clubs etc? The proposal lacks ambition especially in relation to the opportunity to enhance the civic square as the focal point of Leigh's Cultural Quarter. There is an opportunity here to respond to Wigan's Cultural Strategy and the Fire Within Manifesto? Has the team developing this bid consulted the council's Culture Team? Has the newly established Cultural Partnership been consulted? Or the LCEP? Leigh has long had ambitions to create a theatre within the Turnpike centre and I understand that detailed plans have already been created (driven by Andy Burnham when he was our MP). This would be a great thing to make happen in the year when the Cultural Manifesto's priority is 'Every Community Needs a Stage'? WigLe Dance CIC (established using CIF) is based in the building adjacent to the Town Hall car park (the building where the Pete Shelley memorial is). WigLe engages with over 400 children and young people every week but is unable to meet the growing demand from young people for more creative activity. The WigLe team has ambitions to purchase the building to transform it into a Youth Arts Hub. Levelling Up funding could be make these plans a reality much sooner and facilitate high level ambition the children and young people of Leigh deserve. Likewise, the derelict building that was Leigh Conservative Club sits on the Civic Square but has become a hive of dangerous anti-social behaviour. This buildings could be renovated (or demolished and rebuilt) to respond to the creative skills gap and provide the local community with spaces to meet, work, learn and socialise (perhaps instead of the building proposed by Leigh Means Business on the other side of the road?). This is the level of ambition Levelling Up calls for and would transform the area of the town centre most blighted by crime and anti-social behaviour. Recent cultural events and activity in Leigh have demonstrated that there is a huge demand from residents for relevant and high quality cultural events and activity. Investment in Leigh's cultural infrastructure would redress the imbalance between sport and culture in the town to ensure everybody's needs are catered for. Culture is a key strand of the Levelling Up fund but is being ignored by Wigan Council in favour of superficial improvements that will not lead to the kind of transformation Levelling Up calls for.This is a superficial fix. Prettifying pound shops and charity shops will do little to attract Leigh Residents who bypass Leigh for Manchester, the Trafford Centre and local places like Monton and Newton Le Willows (and more recently Atherton and Tyldesley), to shop and eat-out in the town centre. I don't think Mr Discount Store will care enough about his shop front to agree the match investment you are asking for? There needs to be a plan to incentivise independent traders and creative entrepreneurs to set up business in Leigh to create a new and unique offer for local residents. Instead of investing in the unsafe and the eco-unfriendly money pit that is Spinners Mill, more could be done to encourage traders and community organisations to make use of the empty shop spaces in the town centre? I would welcome investment in Leigh Market although I don’t think this is the best or most creative use of Levelling Up monies. Having worked in Preston I would urge you to learn lessons from the experience of re-developing Preston Market that hasn't been a huge success.In becoming an Arts Council England Priority Place, it is my understanding there was a commitment from Wigan Council to include plans to improve the Borough’s cultural infrastructure as part of any Levelling Up bid. There is no evidence that this is happening in the Leigh bid? Please reconsider the current plans to respond to the ambition of Wigan's Cultural Manifesto. Post-pandemic, the demand for high-quality cultural activity is high, as reflected in the success of the Floating Earth at Pennington Flash and more recently the Mayors Jubilee event and the enthusiasm for the Pete Shelley artwork. . Creative youth organisations like WigLe Dance CIC are unable to meet the growing demand for arts and cultural activities from families who struggle to afford expensive private offers. The investment in culture in Wigan is having a transformational impact and Leigh deserves the same. Being home to the newly refurbished Town Hall and the Turnpike Centre, the Civic Square should be the focal point of an incredible cultural quarter and the Levelling Up fund is a once in a generation opportunity to make this happen. Transforming the derelict and ugly buildings adjacent to the Turnpike and Town Hall into community spaces for creativity and culture responds directly to the ambition of the Levelling Up fund. If you want to be inspired watch the incredible young people of Leigh in the 'We Are Flame' film: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_d2LuiDR81A https://wigledance.co.uk/about-us/ ***** Making it safe and attractive Will they be getting local business in the building It's an opportunity to do something similar to warrington offering food and drink Why are we not bidding for the full 20mil, we deserve this as a town!!! Would look nicer maybe but if the shops are all charity and bargain shops it won’t attracte people into town. We need a younger more exciting town centre. Again needs to be more exciting ideas to pull younger people in like the successful food halls in Altricham, Macclesfield, Stockport etc. Something that would attract all ages. Leigh needs more exciting ideas. The ones propose are just bog standard safe ideas. We need to bring life, younger people and families to the centre. All the ideas are just really general refurbishment plans. Think outside the box and go for it spending the £20million not just the £10million to give it a real wow factor. Speak and consult other Leigh business people not just a closed shop council idea plan. How will you stop it becoming a meeting place for drunks like the cenotaph is? It is v intimidating.Can businesses afford it when there are fewer people than ever using the town centre?I work near the town centre and often see drug dealing and drinking in broad daylight. How is this going to be prevented? Otherwise it will just be a nicer space for that section if the community to deal and drink in. Thete's plenty of space already for pedestrians & cyclists. Narrowing the roads will simply cause conjestion & pollution. The hospital is just around the corner, so the unwell & disabled will be disproportionately affected by this when trying to get to & from appointments. Looks very aesthetically pleasingMay take away space from traders, and take trade awsy from lical establushed cafes and coffee shops We do not need anymore roadworks and the planters etc are already under wigan council remit, it should be getting done already. Use the profits from the ridiculously high rents to do this not a grantYou cannot shirk your responsibility to council tax payers by asking for these minor changes to be paid by government funding. I'm so disappointed in my council. Idea and images look great in principle as Leigh is in general very scruffy. Use of local contractors especially smaller businesses is a must have option in my opinion to keep the money spent in the local community. What would happen if building owners did not want to contribute? Would thescheme then fail? What would happen to the funds if that happened? If the market needs this why is not coming from profits generated by the market itself? There is a more pressing need for other retail areas of Leigh such as Bradshawgate to have investment. Why is there a systematic reduction of parking in Leigh? Other towns within the borough such as Ashton have free parking never mind paid parking! Whilst some ideas have some merit, this is an very unimpressive and boring plan! Leigh is dying before our eyes whilst other towns in the borough are flourishing! We need more small businesses to open in Leigh, we need a better and more attractive night time economy. We need parking, proper policing to move on alcoholics and druggies from the Main Streets in Leigh. We need support and encouragement for the few small businesses that are trying to keep going in Leigh! We need to attract people from surrounding areas with quality shopping areas, more independent bars, cafes and restaurants. Leigh need to look less grimy, unloved and unwanted!!! It’s a shame the fund will only be spent on updating current accommodation. It would have been nice to do/bring something innovative to the area to attract people from other areas to visit Leigh. It will make the square more attractive and make people want to spend more time thereIt will improve the look of the area and support local people and businessesThis would make the space more environmentally friendly and a brighter place to be A great way to make a drab part of the town more welcomingBu unforming the shop fronts and teducing the cold looking roller shutters, it will hopefully not only make the shops more welcoming but also perhaps give a higher end feel to the shopsLeigh market is, as it stands, not a place I ever want to go. Just gloom I think that more greenery anywhere is a big plus and to have easier access to the town centre on bikes will be a great additionI think this idea would greatly improve the character of the town centre and make it a place where people would want to spend time. I also think that it would be important to design shopfronts in a way that reflects the architecture of the building above and fits in with its heritage to create a cohesive environment.One thing I have always felt about Leigh market, no matter how much I love it, is that it has always felt rather dark, closed and uninviting. I also think increasing the advertising and signage to the market would help a great deal, at the moment it is quite hidden and closed off from high traffic areas such as the bus station and spinning jenny way. I think it could be a good idea to have buses come into Leigh bus station from the east by heading down Gas street and entering at what is currently a corner at the north-east corner of the station, thus running past the market, spinning gate centre and entrances to Bradshawgate, howeverbi don't know how feasable this would be. A more ambitious project is required with the full £20 million needed.A more ambitious project is required with the full £20 million needed.A more ambitious project is required with the full £20 million needed.A more ambitious project is required with the full £20 million needed. Very nice, will there be consideration for more free parking. People already park on the streets around making it difficult for residents on Walmesley road. People do not use the paid parking and park on the streets nearby instead. I think free parking should be considered or permits for residents Really nice think it be great. Just need to consider parking. Already people park on the streets nearby and no wear for residents to park. Play trail for young, how about a skateboard/bike park for older children The square is a regular illegal open drinking area and Leigh Library windows are regularly vandalised. I can't see how the above addresses this? It just gives the drinkers more shade. The Library needs to get back to core values. Borrowing books is almost accidental in the amount of activity that normally takes place in the Library. Why is this extra activity not all done in a purposeful building? The Police take no interest in what goes on in the square. This proposal just seems to provide more cover for such illegal activities! The above is all well and good but what if the shopkeeper does not apply for such a grant? Bradshawegate is a public disgrace and needs a lot more doing than just updating shop fronts. It needs a purposeful drive to re-dedicate it.This is sorely needed and overdue.Unless the old technical college is included on Railway road this will not be complete. A cafe society also needs to be included. Why are all the historic buildings around Leigh centre neglected and 'left to rot'! Kingsleigh centre, Old Fire station, Technical College, RBS building, HSBC building, Yorkshire Bank, Bradshawgate mock Tudor buildings, Boulevard Building (site of old indoor market on Bradshawegate) etc. Do you even know of these buildings? There is a lot left out! Needs to be linked to a scheme to generate jobs and boost the economy, not sure this would add much value if standaloneDifficult to comment when unclear what the proposal actually is to the traders or landlords. The pictures suggest no security shutters - would traders agree with this?Isn't this just end-of-life maintenance, I can't see the 'levelling up' investment to create new jobs and stimulate the economy? I also think there is a danger of closing the market for a long period of time for the refurbishment.I don't understand why we haven't bid for all the money available, feels like we are being short-changed. Where is the ambition in this plan, how does this provide for the businesses of Leigh? Personally the square seems fine as it is.Shouldn't the shops be paying for this? I cannot see how this attracts new investors to Leigh.I don't understand why this is needed? If the market stalls are paying rent, why isn't the maintenance being paid for from the existing rents?I don't see how this adds to anything currently in Leigh. How about encouraging businesses into Leigh and to make the town centre a place where people want to live and work. The centre of Leigh is a disgrace and the current plans do not go far enough to regenerate the area. Concentrating on the market square does not help people who will come to the town for business &shopping. Fully agree that the shop fronts need to be improved to attract a wide variety of retailers however the illustration looks like a sticking plaster rather than a quality attractive image.Having lived in Leigh for 50 years and witnessing the decline of a vibrant town which now has a dreadful reputation for being run down and not a safe place to shop and visit. I do not believe that the plans go far enough for a quality town to attract t retailers and visitors. The available fund has been diluted and requires some additional radical revisions. Make it greener with more plantingThe town is currently looking very tired and dirty and unlovedLots of elderly stop for a rest and a natter with passers by to fill their days, so a nice seating area fir them to congregate when shopping would be goodAny improvements in Leigh would be most welcome. There are still good, decent families living in the town and we want to regain the pride that our elders had in the town. It is a small minority that spoil things, but maybe we need to give them something to be proud about and set good examples, rather than knowing the council have given u on Leigh All business owners should have a responsibility to maintain their shop front so that it doesn’t have a negative impact on the town. It puts off shoppers, attracts anti social behaviour and could put off newer businesses opening up INo it nearly enough fundingDoesn't godar enough and the stalls rental prices are very very unfair It will improve and bring into the 21st century instead of remaining in the 19th century I cannot see that the square will be any more utilised than it already is I.e. at the moment the square is used as access to the library, town hall, Railway Road and Walmesley Road. As a keen cyclist, who uses this road on a regular basis, I cannot see the point of providing specific cycle ways as this particular stretch of road is used very infrequently by the majority of cyclists and would provide only very limited benefit. It is also worth noting that this area is now outside the central business district (CBD) and the money would be better utilised in the current (CBD)I agree the town centre shopfronts could do with a facelift, but I would doubt the landlords would want to provide any investment towards this. Maybe if rents could be lowered by some sort of incentive scheme then this might help to open up empty shops and similarly incentivise existing landlords to smarten up their shopfronts. What we must not lose sight of is these are not city centre shops and, as far as the landlords are concerned, are not worth the investment. I agree money needs spending desperately on this building. The market hall is not that old and should have had a planned maintenance scheme put in place to maintain it. Money needs spending now, but it needs a fund putting in place to ensure it remains in good orderOnly on comment why £10M and not £20M. Wigan council strike again, negatively, when it has anything to do with Leigh. It is high time the Leigh councillors stood up to their masters in Wigan and for once didn’t take the Queen’s shilling and gave credence to their constituents. Not enough being doneNot enough being done! We need moreWould like to see something like Warrington marker. Where people can socialise.Come on Wigan Council pit Leigh first for once! Shops do need sprucing up but we need to encourage new business ventures into the town, like Monton with chic cafe/ wine bars Again we need to rethink the market and make it a more overall experience. Westhoughton have a lovely little indoor market with traditional butchers, bakeries etc Reducing road space will create traffic jams and people will avoid Leigh to avoid the traffic jams so they'll be loss of business Once again Wigan metro does half a job Leigh town centre requires some form of youth hub/zone or diversionary activities and the turnpike could possibly provide this Financial contribution from local shop owners in the current climate may be difficult this should be taken into consideration, have we thought the shops are run down due to funds available from the shop owner. More needs done with the empty shops that are currently derelict. This is just another example of the complete incompetence we depressingly become used to as residents of Leigh. Why on earth wouldn’t we apply for the full grant? I’m writing as I’m concerned that the Leigh Means Business alternative proposals seem unrealistic & I feel that we’re stronger together as a Borough. Needs a lot more doing, including a cafe cultureSo many shops are empty, no good improving them unless you attract new businessAgain variety of market stalls offered needs improving . Needs a complete overall not just a small touch upWe need to get the full £20 million invested as we will never get this chance again. Seems unless it’s Wigan itself then little effort put in Re-timing traffic lights at the 4 major junctions & giving priority to pedestrians crossing will improve the experience. Remove shutters from shop fronts, reduce numbers of fast food outlets and use empty shops for community spaces.Reduce market rent, encourage new traders. Improve public transport links(metrolink)and Improve car parking facilities. The term "levelling up " is being used very loosely to the proposals for Leigh. There is no capital investment being proposed. I consider the road narrowing and cycle lanes to be a step backwards. There will never be a major requirement for cyclists in Leigh because it is cold and wet most of the year and most people have to come in to town from the areas like Lowton and Golborne and Tyldesley. I pass Advance stop lines (cycle boxes) at traffic lights in Lowton and Leigh and never see a cyclist use them. What a waste. If you want to make the area saver then employ a policeman to stop cyclists and electric scooter riders riding on the pavement. This would make the town better.It would be nice to walk down a high street that looks fresh and modern. It would be nice if there were no metal shutters. Could unbreakable glass be installed?To get more people to shop in the market and in all Leigh shops there needs to be an increase in car parking spaces. if the parking spaces were free at all times more people would come in to Leigh to shop rather than go to out of town sites and other towns with better shops. Making the town friendly to cyclists is self defeating because most people do not want to ride a bike because you get wet and can not carry your shopping home. Riding a bike limits what you can do, what you can buy, especially if you are past middle age and do not live in the town centre. The cycling lobby is very powerful and has caused a huge amount of Council Tax payers' and Government money to be wasted.I would rather any available money was spent on more police and more street cleaning. The leveling up fund is to re-establish Leigh as a vibrant, forward thinking town. A few plants and trees, whilst nice to have, will not do that. More street furniture (bench's) for the undesirables that seem to frequent Leigh town centre will not do that. Reducing the road width will lead to more tailbacks in Leigh centre adding to the air pollution that already exists around the town hall square will not do that. Adding a cycle path and new road crossings. will not re-establish Leigh as a vibrant, forward thinking town unless job specific investment is made. These are 'nice to have items.' They are not items that will put Leigh back on the map. A clean and uniformed look will help to enhance appearances but are you just covering up the cracks? Without investment and help with rents the empty shops will soon become a mess again. This also raises the question of landlords with vacant shops; will they pay 50%?. If not its just a half job. I don't see how this delivers new business and jobs to Bradshawgate without additional ideas The idea of a refurbishment is good. However maintenance and refurbishment is standard practice for any business and should have been planned into the maintenance schedule. It looks like, for all intents and purpose, a way to save money by using the leveling up fund whist not using the maintenance/refurbishment budget The fund is not designed to fix issues that money should already be available for. From the information that I have received, this scheme is ill-conceived and little effort has been put into the bid. Consultation with the people of Leigh and ideas from the people of Leigh needs to be taken on board. I'm sorry, but this bid for a £20 million investment to regenerate Leigh into a up and coming town falls by the way side The appearance of shops and businesses currently is very unappealing and really discourages me from busing the town centreI would certainly be more likely to visit if these changes were made. The market is in much need to modernising and making more family-friendly, perhaps a central area like Altrincham market, a little more artisan. I'd rather see this square more lively with colourful street stalls happily trading. Also to encourage a retained footfall I would like to see a new public toilet block built on the Town Hall car park. I am happy with this idea of improving the shop fronts however more could be done at perhaps a higher standard if the full £20 million was bid for.Yet again more could be done with £20 million.Not ambitious enough. Should make use of the FULL £20 million as Leigh has not received its fair share of funding in the past. When the work has been done it MUST be maintained as work done in the past has never been maintained thus making it a complete waste of moneyThis kind of work has been done in Bolton town centre to a high standard I suggest people in charge should take a look at what Bolton has achievedLeigh market is definite deteriorating and is in desperate need of money being spent on it to make it a more attractive place to visit. At present it is slowly going down hill.If £20 million is available we should be applying for every penny there are many spaces in Leigh Town Centre that could do with improvement. Railway Road to me is a no go area and could do with knocking down and the businesses in Railway Road being encouraged to relocate to the Bradshawgate area and then residential property could be built in the Railway Road Area If they can’t turn buildings back into commercial, consider residential conversion The proposal needs to be sure that the strategy for use of the square (leisure activities) are not in conflict with the open spaces like Pennington Flash.I would love to see an improved image BUT many shops are empty. These need to be made attractive to NEW businesses. We want more diversity - rather than charity and barber shops. In addition we need to manage areas - so we have a central cafe area radiating to various and diverse businesses.Good - but what about attractive to the smaller type businesses. Also create areas - clothing, food, animal, hair dressers, haberdashery etc...A LUF is to ensure the GROWTH of the town - this proposal will definitely ensure the DEATH of Leigh. It my look nice but what are the plans to keep it that way? Just a walk along Bradshawgate will show the poor workmanship and lack of maintenance to the new paving. Please explain how new crossings and reducing road widths will bring about work and investment into Leigh. This should be something that the council offers as a matter of course with the amount of Business rates that are paid in the Leigh area. This is completely short-sighted and I suggest the council take a walk around Monton or Altrincham to see how a wasted town centre can be revitalised This sounds and looks like a maintenance project. The Levelling up fund is additional money to stimulate the town. The people of Leigh deserve market investment similar to Wigan without the levelling up fund. The Levelling up fund is to stimulate and revive Leigh, not to save the council money ! Why, when other authorities have attained the full £20m fund are we looking for one that seeks half of that. There is only one bite of this cherry. Get the bid right before submitting it. Had I submitted a bid like this at at work, I would have been sacked! More spaces to be taken over by undesirable members of the publicLeigh will become a faceless, carbon copy of every other town More seating and large ‘food court’ area means less stalls, like other new market halls It’s a town hall not a civic place, we have to attract investment in the town before it dies, many of the shops are struggling because of footfall, stop the antisocial behaviour before it kills everything A nice idea if taken up by all landlords, my worry is that should a lease be for only a short period, would a landlord pay for these improvementsPoor decision, this should be planned maintenance, not levelling up We need to inspire people of the town, make a positive bid of £20million, stop using it for political gain and start to work with the town. I live and work in Leigh and have had no part of the decision making process which is disconcerting bearing in mind the so called views that have been received, we should have been the first people to be asked It would be better spent on bradshawgate, pavement all the way up to include all the shops as they are unique and not repetitive. Good. We need to make bradshawgate more attractive and get rid of the old buildings that have not been looked after. Make them more appealing for new shops. Think the market is already ok. More money needs to go in the town centre outside. On Bradshawgate it’s self as it’s been neglected by Wigan council. We need the full amount of the levelling up fund used on OUR town and not just thrown in the wind. We need bradshawgate to be brought up to speed and stop allowing flats to be built in between our shops. Doesn't affect me as it's not an area I go toBusinesses should contribute but how much are they being asked for? 50%?Great that refurb is being done. But what will the seating area be for? Is there plans for a small food court? If so, fantastic. If not, then the area would be wasted. Leigh definatly needs this, it looks so run down now, consider adding new shop bars and eateries like Atherton and Monton, make it more inviting to shoppers and Leigh residents, remove all the druggies who are taking over the town centreNeeds updating to today's standards, the atmosphere has disappeared from the market, a few empty stalls now as rents are too expensive, add modern eateries with seating and tables like Warrington Market, the cookhouse which now attracts younger people to the market. Leigh needs the heart putting back in it, which means updating to modern standards, needs to bring people in from other towns, to enjoy it we need more top branded shops to bring people in I love the greenery, and cycle ideas. A decent cycle path between the main towns away from roads would be a great idea too.Who will improve the empty buildings. They are the ones that look the worstGiving the indoor market a make over is long overdue But more could be so. Leigh is a mess. The streets need a good clean, and re-paved. There is so much empty space that is wasted. I feel like a good way to rev up public interest would be to open the library long longer and advertise it moreMore public toilets More cafe bars More police presence Better Christmas lights, wheres the giant santa? More things for 12-18 year olds to do A skatepark? This will make a big difference - the sloppy neon shop signs makes the town look downtrodden Not sure a market is the way forward - more of a leisure approach That road outside the town hall is busy enough with 2 lanes. I’m all for the levelling up, but there are hardly any bike riders I leigh and reducing the road width is going to cause AWFUL traffic jams in the centre Waste of money. Footfall and the goods on offer is low. Spinning gate is a wasteland. Would be much better for bars and restaurants Market Street is the main route through Leigh, the only alternative being the "bypass" which is now no longer a bypass What is going to happen to air quality if the road is narrowed and this leads to more congestion. How can you "better connect" the Civic Square " to the rest of the town centre when it is remote from the main shopping areasMost small businesses or charities cannot afford to match available funding, funding should be 100%. Past Planning decisions are responsible for the look of the town. Empty vacant properties should not be simply categorised as retail they need a change of use and should be brought back into use as low cost accommodation. A prime example is the old Burtons building, conversion to apartments on the upper floors but the lower floor is retail so yet another empty floor space.The leveling up fund should not be used to fund refurbishment/repairs that the council have neglected to carry out. The market traders pay their rent and expect the council to maintain the building to a reasonable standard Why is the Council only applying for 10 million when there is 20 million avaliable smacks of a lack of ambition for the town residents deserve more. You should invest in Leigh Spinners Mill to finish the project. It’s not only in Leigh’s best interest but the councils and our political leadership. They have already completed their own consultation of what the people of Leigh want to see. Making the road narrower would perhaps make driving standards worse - I think the footpaths are wide enough in this area. Get rid of the weeds etc that are overgrown all over Leigh. Would make the area look smarter. I already think there are plenty of shops etc in Leigh - the issue is sadly lots of people seem to prefer the out of town retail parks.Great idea. The market is fantastic this will enhance it It'll be nice to sit and enjoy after a visit to the library. Just hope it doesn't become a hot spot for the crack heads that sit round there now. In which case most would find it too intimidating of a situation to be in.It's good but more businesses need to be attracted to the area. The quality of shops at the moment is poor and getting worse.Could include some toilets. The ones at the car park always seem to be closed. I find it poor that there isn't one public toilet for the entire Leigh shopping area. It's difficult to spend a good amount of time there, especially with young children.More/better shops and restaurants needed. Decent public toilets to be able to spend time in Leigh and not have to go home just because there's no toilets or baby changing facilities. The market seating area looks impressive Doing this will improve the feel of the town, businesses will want to invest and move in and the public would enjoy coming into the townThis can only help the town, I being a retailer in Spinning Gate Shopping centre feel that it should be extended to the whole area and not just focus on Bradshawgate alone!Think you could go further and provide more enhancements on the interiorAny investment in Leigh can only help, but why not go for the full amount available and make a proper investment in the town? £20m won’t go far but £10m will just be a cheap option. Why are you only bidding for half of the available amount? 20 million could do so much more than just revitalising the town centre & market including improving transport links & employment opportunities & facilities for young people which the LUF is for offering opportunity & chances of increased employment & wages etc. none of this bid does this as per usual it’s short sightedness by WMBC Why ***** why do you want to narrow more rds. Leigh is already at a standstillShould be kept on top of anywayNo mention of rents Just sounds like tidying the area up and planting greenery. What is that going to achieve? It will be trashed in a matter of weeks. Altering the road width is an absurd idea and complete waste of money.Again, just tidying up. Something landlords should be doing anyway. Shiny shop fronts will only be covered by anti scum bag shutters anyway.Well yes the market does require a face lift but what have the council been spending the stall holders rents on in previous years. You can’t expect to let it go to wreck and ruin and then have tax payers money used for its repair! This is merely titivating the area. The changes need to be more substantial and joined up creating a reason to use this space.This is a good and necessary idea. However, use of local contractors should be mandatory rather than encouraged in order to put the money into the local economy.This was a not what the levelling up fund should be used for. This is basic maintenance on a profitable venture and the council should be paying for it rather than taking money out. Doing this will not attract more people into our town.This suggestion should be rejected resoundly. Our town deserves better. Work in partnership with our local businesses and listen to what they are saying. Levelling up is supposed to improve education, employment opportunities, education and housing. This project doesn't fit the brief. Doesn't fit the purpose of levelling up. Doesn't fit the purpose of levelling up. How does it improve education, housing employment and health?Wigan council doesn't seem to understand the purpose of levelling up. None of your proposals improve education, housing, health and employment opportunities. There's nothing that will bring in high quality jobs or businesses. Absolutely agree with improving this area but reducing road width is likely to cause traffic congestion in an already busy area.Agree brashawegate needs updating and need to also try to encourage small businesses/ independent bars/restaurants to the area to create a busy 'living' town. Theres a big market for 40+ year olds who want something different to pub culture All very worthy but the range of stalls is limited and needs some updated food/drinks offers. Also it smells vile and most of the stall holders could do with cracking a smile now and then Its all work that needs doing though im not sure how it will level Leigh up. A bigger police presence is also needed whether to tackle asb or perceived/real safety issues. Railway road also needs some serious input along with the main arteries in/out of leigh and until they are tackled as well its just scratching the surface but fingers crossed 🤞 Reducing road width will reduce safety and lead to congestion. This bid is sadly ruined by the addition of more cycle paths. This shows a distinct lack of creativity and willingness to tackle the problems. Such as over development of the Leigh bypass, lack of adequate (free) parking, among other issues. Please ensure that the large event area is not a sea of a single material or it won't be any better than what we have now. It needs breaking up visually and physically to stop the area being abused. A water feature would also be nice.I agree with targeting, and hope this is based on the owners' willingness to participate. But I am concerned about the state of the other areas. What are your plans for these? We also need plans for vacant buildings.The market does feel dated. I am concerned that the property owners won't have enough money to invest and make this a success. A consistent approach to the street as a whole is essential. Choose an approach and only use support money wherein complies. Money only on project start.It's a huge improvement. The back street needs enhancement as it's down at heel. Can't we do some tree planting around the car park.It could be more joined up Design wise but it's a good start the proposals are for an area that has no value to the people of leigh the town hall square is in better condition than the rest of the town center and does not bring people into the town the whole 20 million needs to be spent on bradshawgate and the market area which have had 25 years of neglect and need to be brought to a similar standard to bury and be made more cosmopolitan encouraging more cafe culture with a better outdoor market and the council taking control of the derelict units and reducing the number of charity shops and encouraging more people into the town center with free parking all week yes most landlords will not cooperate so it is pointless offering a grant that requires their input as very few will contribute or apply so it is just going to be money for the council to waste elsewhere it needs to be the shop keepers and business owners who get the grant as it will be them that will benefit from the changes and it is them that want the improvements not some investment firm that cares not one bit how the town looks or if it improves the grant should not have conditions requiring matching contributions it should be given to a focus group consisting of the shopkeepers and other interested parties to force the changes otherwise it will be more piece meal than it is nowthe improvement to the market is long overdue but i do not trust the current team to work in the best interest of the stall holders they have never listened previously to them so i cannot believe they will do what is best for them now any funding given to the market should once again be given to a group of all the current stall holders and any other interested parties and must have a majority before decisions are progressedthis has not been discussed with the shop keepers of leigh so any pretense to pretend this is a representation of what we want is just a blatant lie and the majority of the people of leigh are totally unaware this is even available as no one has been consulted so how can it represent the people of leigh I feel it will help bring people back into the town rather than the current situation were people are traveling to other neighbouring towns as its a nicer place to visitLeigh town centre has a very aggressive appearance and isn't an appealing place to spend time. Changes like these will only help bring people back to the town centreWarrington market is the example of what can be achieved. Combining market traders with high end eateries in a great atmosphere. If Leigh market could replicate this vibe that would be great The problem with Leigh town centre is there is not enough to draw people to it. This would be nice but is not enough to attract people into townA lot of shops are vacant and have been for a long time. Who will want to pay to improve empty shop fronts? Business owners are likely feeling the drop in footfall so asking them to meet half the costs us unlikely to be attractive. They need more incentive to continue trading in Leigh, and guarantees their investment will pay off.This is a good idea and should be a boost for the market stall owners but again it needs to link up to a full High Street with attractive shops and no more empty, run down buildings. I'm very worried that this will not do enough to improve Leigh town and make it a place people want to visit. We need more businesses to fill the empty shops and then for them all to be improved together. JJB has been shut down for about 10 years and is still there, boarded up. There are lots of charity shops; would they have to pay to improve their front? More needs to be done to make sure these improvements are effective. This won’t make the square any more utilised than it already is. It’s currently just an area to cross to get to the Library or other places like Railway Rd or Walmesley Rd. I do not agree with taking road space for bicycles when realistically these spaces are grossly underused due to practicalities like the weather and it is our already over congested local roads which need extra space. I very much like the idea of improving what are currently very shabby shop fronts on Bradshawgate. However, if the landlords of the currently scruffy or even empty shops are required to contribute, then this scheme would probably not be supported by them. The use of local contractors would be a definite plus for the local economy and thus be an effort to ‘level up’. A vital need for this area is to help and encourage new local businesses to take up the empty premises and make our high street a more attractive place to spend time ie cafes/bars because currently it is NOT such a pleasant place at all.Our market desperately needs investment and support which is long overdue. Surely the Council should do this routinely and not just when central government finds become available? It’s been let deteriorate and become sad and neglected which is dreadful for the hardworking traders on there. We are actually very lucky to have so many great businesses right in the centre of town and they deserve so much better than the service they have received. If this funding is used only for it to become poorly maintained and uncared for again then it will not be a good use of such funds.Yes. Why are we only applying for half of what is being made available? For a council always bemoaning the lack of funding from central government (indeed blaming most problems on it) it doesn’t make any sense to not go for the maximum, ie £20million. Please do explain why this isn’t happening as there seems to be no information to support the reason for letting another possible £10million slip through the council’s fingers, which could obviously double the potential positive and sorely needed impact on Leigh. an overhaul of buildings is needed to make the town look vibrant and a plesant place to be . use of local tradesmen to complete the work building commnity wealth and keeping local money in local pocketsthe market should be the hub of the town like successful places such as Bury ,its an asset to the townLeigh is a lovely town with lots of potential to be a thriving hub providing employment to those in need in an economically deprived area, if things aren't improved businesses will move out leaving it more of a ghost town as it is already filled with people that are have their own issues of drug alcohol and homelessness issues,Leigh and its residents and business owners are worth it As well as making them look nice we need incentives to get shops, independent bars and restaurants into the areaGood but feels like maintenance work rather than significantly improving the areaHow do we regenerate the area and make it a place people want to spend their social time The civic square is no longer in the centre of town. Why waste money doing it up when we need investment not pretty spacesThis should have been done already by the council. This is notwhat the grant is for.. the lots still won't be filled if the rental is too costlyDon't know how these ideas will encourage business to invest in our town. The potential of this space is enormous but underused. Enough space should be kept to ensure activities can take place there. Concerts etc I am thinking of. If you look above the ground floor Leigh has a lot of beautiful buildings. It would be great if the ground floor facades were taken back from their shoddy appearance to a more classic style to match the upper floors. A quality market can be a big attraction to people from outside the town, bringing much needed footfall to neighbouring local businesses too. Take Bury for example. People travel miles to visit Bury Market. Traffic buildup is bad enough without making roads narrower on busy arterial routes.Grants good. WORKING AND HEAVILY MONITORED CCtv better Move on the Drunks and druggies all around the market and Bradshwgate.It's a small market seating will reduce the number and size of stalls available. Wider doorways not needed and will negativly affect shops in the mall. Windows above head height present an I creased security risk. Heating and ventilation does need looking at the roof just need attention not replacing stop waisting money..Little to no detail has been given and what has been put ou is very last minute. 20mil for leigh. OK comp purchase the derelict shops and fine owners for not upkeeping them no ifs no buts they don't like it sell it and Leigh Counsel buy them make them right and rent them out. WE the Counsil.and public benefit now some pension fund overseas.. get the CC tv heavily monitored and move on the Drunks and druggies Kids on Bikes terrorising the elderly and infirm. Planting and seating need improvements maybe cover Bradshaw gate allowing outdoor café to expand. No traffic means no traffic all deliveries made before 0800 and after 1900. Create a distribution centre just out of town. All trucks over7.5 ton deliver to there then small EV's deliver to the Town Shops cleaning the towns air and getting rid of all HGV's from the town Centre. Any entering get hit with a ticket cost to do so.the Leigh means nusiness have better proposalsWhy haven't you listened to suggestions from Leoghrans business?aShould have been maintained properly previously. lack of things to attract people (limited range of shops and places to eat/drink); building and streets that seem uncared for; and anti-social behaviour. Some areas eg Railway Rd feel like no go areas.Why do we have to have discount stores. Why can’t we have more choice and bigger names like M&S??Why can’t we have artisan bakers or makers markets to attract customers to the townThis is not levelling up. Leigh needs the 20 million being offered and it’s scandalous that Wigan Council are only requesting half of this. The centre needs to be made more attractive to give the town the lift it needs This would make a major impact on how the town looks - neon signs make everywhere look AwfulHas the market had its day At the top of my list what town centres should be Safe and secure - we need to employ x2 police officers or Community officers to patrol Leigh, safety will bring some people back. Set out a night time economy Encourage colleges and education to set up in leigh Encourage people to live in the town centre. Refurbish Bradshaw Gate similar to Cheshire oaks. Make sure parking is good quality and long enough, smaller pocket car parks. Have a well run integrated social media account. This sounds great in principle, but I don't see the point in trying to make Leigh look better when we have an horrendous problem with litter, fly tipping and drinking and anti social behaviour in and around the town centre.Again a great idea, however, I doubt the amount applied for would even touch the sides of what is needed. Why are we not applying for the full £20 million on offer??This obviously needs doing, however, I doubt this will entice other stall holders to take up spaces. Leigh desperately needs a massive make over and some of the local issues need to be addressed before, as it will not change the awful culture that is now prevalent in Leigh such as anti social behaviour drinking in the streets, litter, dog fouling and fly tipping. Leigh is depressing and run down and feels unloved. Why can't we start to develop our town along the lines of Atherton, Monton and Sale for example? Why are you not taking advantage of the full £20 million that is on offer??? Although I agree the town hall square needs as facelift, it still would only be a plaster on a bigger wound, which needs more money. We need to go for the full £20,000,000. Yes, shop owners in that area will benefit but there needs to be a vision, not just a reclaiming of something back to what it ought to look like anyway. Making things look fit for purpose is a given - its hardly levelling up to simply reach the basic standard. Show us the money!Making something scruffy look neat and tidy is an admission that it has allowed to become scruffy due to a lack of maintenance money. Yes, that needs fixing to make a town ready to level up. In and of itself it is not levelling up. It'll just be "nice because it's nice" it doesn't really do anything to drive footfall to Leigh. It'll only end up bringing more anti-social behaviour due to a lack of footfall and therefore a lack of natural surveillance. How does this drive people to shop in Leigh or support local hospitality?It's a good idea in pinciple but on it's own it doesn't really help support these small businesses. Since they have to provide a financial contribution, how would this allow small businesses to see a return on their investment without the footfall needed. "Use of local contractors would be encouraged" isn't enough either, this should be managed by the local businesses via a community organisation, otherwise you'll have local shop fitters attempting to navigate the councils bureaucratic procurement process which requires significant resources for a small business.Why is this even a part of the levelling-up bid? Wigan Council has let this deteriorate, taking money from the traders and not putting it back into the market for general repairs and maintenance, they should use THAT money to do this, not levelling-up. Wigan Council are simply just a bad landlord. Also where are the traders going to go while this is happening? If the market is closed while this is going one, the traders will just find somewhere else to trade from. How is Wigan Council going to ensure traders are supported during this?This does not "Level Up" Leigh, it just seems like the council are using this an an opportunity to maintain existing assets by using money from elsewhere, and protecting their own interests. How is this £20million? I bet it's not even half that. Time and time again, Wigan Council just prove they don't hold the interests of Leigh. Where are the outcomes of this bid? There are pavements for pedestrians, the roads in Leigh are congested enough without reducing the road space You can make a building look nice but the amount of charity shops and other shops that are not warranted in the town seems a waste of time and money The market is empty sticking windows in is not going to attract more shoppers The increased greenery would have a positive impact on the appearance of the square and surrounding areas. I also like the community links with the Turnpike Centre Garden Club. Encouraging walking and cycling, along with the benefits of added greenery, will improve the air quality of the town centre.The photos show that this would be a huge improvement to the current appearance of the shop fronts. This will raise the profile of the town centre, making it a more attractive place to shop and therefore encouraging more people to visit. Using local contractors supports local businesses.Improving the temperature regulation of the market is likely to encourage customers to spend longer there and therefore spend more supporting local businesses. The seating area will have a similar impact. The use of solar panels is a step in the right direction for greener energy. Improving the appearance of the market through painting, increasing light and improving signage is all likely to attract more customers and make their shopping experience more pleasant. Can’t we open up doctors nook car park frontage so that it feels part of civic square Desperately needed It doesn't look too different to what is there now, just added some bushes.They look better but doesn't change the kind of shop it is. Low quality goods for sale at cheap prices is not the way to regenerate a town.You shouldn't be using this grant for any general maintenance at all. It the roof leaks...then fix it! I do think a better main entrance is needed.It seems like you're playing it too safe. This bid is quite dull, and seems like not what the levelling up scheme is about. Much of this should be done anyway. The council will just come in for continued criticism for 'trying to keep Leigh down' and 'Wigan gets everything' etc. Why are you afraid to think big? These improvements do sound positive but I don't see them being enough to bring about the drastic changes that are needed. It feels like there needs to be more to really bring people to use the civic square This feels important to do but perhaps not as transformative in terms of really changing how the town looks and feels, it feels a start but there needs to be more These are clearly necessary improvements but should be maintenance from the council anyway and not from levelling up which should be about transformation and regeneration. After initially feeling positive from the previous consultation, I am left just feeling really disappointed. I can't see that these plans will bring the changes that are so needed. I would hope that there can be further consultation, that this opportunity isn't being wasted. This should be such a positive for the people of Leigh and the council to work together but sadly I think it could lead to more disillusionment. To connect the square with the rest of the town, it is necessary to remove the barrier presented by the main road going passed the square, these proposal address this without completely closing off the main road, which is not practical.Improving the appears of the shopfronts would improve the atmosphere on the street, but unless more of the shops are open and busy it will not help long term.As for the shopfronts, enhanced appearance will improve the atmosphere and appeal of the market but the key long term is to have a wide range of vibrant busy stalls. I think more couls be done St Marys way is a vital route for traffic to avoid blocking the junction of railway road and market street. The Library Square is too from the main centre of Leigh, Bradshawgate, to draw the people visiting the Town. It is more likely to draw groups increasing more antisocial behavior NoNo Improves the current set up. Must try to make sure things are vandal proof and out of reach of the druggies.Anything to smarten things up . Be good if vacant premises could be made available for homeless people.This will improve the feel of the place and make it more welcoming. Make sure there is sufficient seating space . Greater use of good cycle routes would be great. We are so far behind the Europeans on cycle Lane provision. We need to get the people of Leigh on bikes, keeping them fit and reducing the traffic congestion.The street scene in Leigh is a mess and this would helpGood ideaIncreased Police presence in the town centre would help Have popup outdoor tables for people to eat and drink in the summer. Gives local workers somewhere to go for lunch. Popup vendors. A relaxed meeting place for people to enjoy and have a coffee. Nice idea, but there are many areas of Leigh which requires improvement, Bradshawgate, Bedford to name only a couple. The Town is becoming a ghost town with most shops closed, it is most definitely not a pleasant experience going into Leigh town centre these days. The Town needs more businesses, but I suppose it's a start.Definitely an improvement, but the town needs more businesses, both independent and big retailers the likes of Next, M&S. Excellent suggestion.Any improvements made to the town centre can only be a good thing but these improvements must also be maintained. Ensuring the upkeep of these advancements should be included in the overall projects scheme. While new planters and lighting is nice. The current square is more than serviceable with a clean up. We should be looking to encourage use of the space we already have before looking to develop it so that it can be developed appropriately. The Current site would be perfect for artisan/farmers markets, fairs/fetes, performances but to my knowledge is used for nothing more than the occasional funfair. Pedestrian crossings are also only useful if there is something to connect the town to! At the moment there’s not an awful lot enticing people to cross to either side and I don’t think the current proposal improves that!This would mean that current shops and businesses were more attractive to consumers. Use of local contractors for the developments is key to ensure that the money goes back round into the town. My only concern is that there are lots of vacant premises that are becoming more and more dilapidated - who will take responsibility for development of those to enable start-up business to invest in their ideas and bring fresh catering/retail interest to the town centre?Using a level up fund for general maintenance? I’m not sure that’s right! What happened to the years of profit from rent paid by past/current stall holders to ensure upkeep of the facility. For a refurbishment of the market we should be looking to Warrington or Altrincham and reviewing how we can offer an increased social space with artisan/craft food outlets in our market space. There’s currently nowhere to go in Leigh for a decent evening out. People like myself and husband in surrounding areas are going out of town to access social spaces like Warrington but would we prefer to put our money back into Leigh should we have a reason to - absolutely!! Building owners must be forced to join in otherwise they won’t do itThis should be done anyway. Total lack of ambition No ideas about inward investment. Papering over the cracks. Shocking lack of vision for the future. More greenery is good. Concern = how safe will this be for people to enjoy the space given the amount of ASB and drug/alcohol dependents that are frequenting the area?Small businesses may struggle to "match" grant offered resulting in little uptake. A better range of businesses are needed and more art and culture to the main bradshawgate area. The area is very inaccessible to those with low mobility due to lack of affordable/free parking in the area. So they are excluded from enjoying the main bradshawgate area.A mixture of trade and "pop ups" to keep vacant stalls occupied. Could consider community rental space of a stall to help young people try their own business with the help of Princes Trust for example. Ask sectors of the community to help - eg. Youth, young families, older generation, those who feel excluded. Something proper needs to be provided for those who are addicted to alcohol and other drugs and the homeless that are hanging around Leigh. As a single woman I do not feel safe to walk around my own town day or night. There is too much organised crime in the area too, theft and pickpocketing etc with no consequence to the perpetrators. This adds to the feel of Leigh not being a nice place to live in and call home...sadly. I would like to see more done in these areas. It’s not the Taj Mahal, no one will treat this building like a tourist attraction, absolutely pointless to waste money on this. The only thing that would benefit from this our the pigeons.Throwing glitter on a *****, why not instead encourage new, local businesses to bring some fresh blood to the townMarket stalls pay rent which should be going towards upkeep of the building, not someone’s profitsWho suggested these? Ask the younger generation and you’ll get a rough idea of where the future of Leigh needs to be headed, not living in the past. I think you need to encourage traders back into the area. Leigh isn't even a shadow of its former self. It is just second hand shops now. Why can't you use the money to offer incentives for traders to come to Leigh? Levelling up needs to consider the rates that the traders have to pay for the stalls. Again, the market is a shadow of its former self and the outdoor market was a shambles. All credit to the traders there for providing an excellent service in challenging conditions. My elderly mum believes the money went to Wigan when the councils became one. I used to disagree but now I see what she means. I was born in Leigh. The site of the town breaks my heart. Think long and hard about these proposals. Apply for the full bid. Bring traders to the area. The people of Leigh are loyal and want to be proud of their town again. Use the money to make the market great again. Good quality, fresh and affordable produce. This is what struggling families need. Why have the Council let the building fall into disrepair in the first place? I do not understand why you are not applying for the full amount. It’s the focal point of the town and needs to reflect its central location Shutters make the place look neglected and tlrun down. Thus trend needs to be reversed Starting to look tired now. Needs a refresh Leigh desperately needs a facelift on shop fronts. Not sure relying on private landlords or council for contribution is a good idea!! Need decent investment not just a make over, it’s false economy! Really beautiful Very little impact due to the shops still being on low quality should be reduction in business rates to attract better businesses This has worked well in other areas of the country this will work here as well really love this I would use the market if there was seating and eateries There is more that needs doing than just a faceliftLeigh deserves more A lot of the shop frontage in Leigh town centre appears to be in a lot of desrepair. Vacant shops appear to be left to deteriorate. Local residents have very little choice of shops. Appreciate the rise of online shopping does not prompt the development of town centre shopping but Leigh high street does not invite shoppers due to its very poor appearance. This does not encourage new businesses to invest. Council need to consider alternative use of shops other than just retail.Have those in authority looked at neighbouring markets, e.g. Warrington. After some investment Warrington appears to have become a vibrant market, with extended dining/hospitality areas. Leigh market appears to have a growing number of vacant lots. Investment in Leigh market needs careful consideration to ensure there is a return on any investment and the investment benefits the people and communities of Leigh. Investing in shops in the town centre at the moment all there is is cafes charity shops and that’s it leigh used to be a lovely town but now it’s a hovel for junkies rats and low life’s it’s about time some money was spent here instead of Wigan How will this impact on traffic on Market st coming into leigh.?Is there any extra provision to encourage start up businesses or help with leasing and rates costs?Does this mean less space for stall holders? Where will they relocate to while work takes place?Is the total funding available being targeted? If not, we could end up with a 'cosmetic upgrade' rather than real, sustainable improvement. Any particular strategies to address anti social behaviour in the area? Without an anchor building to draw people to the square, what would attract people to use it? Events can take place as it stands, but they do not. Improving the fabric of the square will not fix this problem. Narrowing the road but without removing the central barrier will not improve it’s connection to the town, there is no benefit to this narrowing. This project does not work in isolation, it does not generate any more interest, attraction or commerce in our town. This is not levelling The concept is sound, however it should be part of a bigger plan to regenerate our town and attract people to Leigh. We believe that it should be managed by local businesses to ensure local contractors and small businesses can be used to deliver it. The council's procurement process favours larger companies and it’s unlikely that local shopfitters would be able to participate in the scheme. The money spent on this scheme would leave our town. Must be Leigh based contractors This is maintenance work that should have already been carried out by the council. The market has made over £10million revenue in it’s 20 year lifespan and this should have been reinvested back into the building. The levelling up fund is not intended to be used by the council to maintain its assets, it should be used to transform our town for the better. Spending money on the market in this way will only maintain the current status quo. This will not attract a substantial amount of new visitors and customers to our town or create new jobs. The money could be used in a better place. We shouldn't be thinking about making an area which isn't too bad into a tourist attraction, and thinking about the people who have currently lived in Leigh their whole lives and want something better in the town center - down Bradshawgate. This money could be used in a better place!This is like putting sparkle on a mess! You are not fixing the problem trying to make it look 'pretty'. We need better shops, better cafes/restaurants and bars. Many towns around Manchester, using Altricham as the main one, received large funding a few years back and it looks amazing! There are so many local shops which sell clothing & trinkets. I think the market could do with a rejuvenation. As a 28 year old woman, I know loads of people that would rather buy produce from a green grocer/butcher etc, however they don't like going to our market as its cramped, old fashioned and greasy (from the coffee shop). You need to now start appealing to the younger generation instead of the 70 year olds who don't really put money into our economy anymore!You need to start asking more residents what they want! You asked 1,700 people in a town with 41,000+ people. You need to start asking people of a younger generation who have no where to shop/eat and go out of town! Be more inspiring and ambitious You're just adding some plants.There isn't that many shops to re front so why not do something to attract more businesses Lower prices to attract more stall owners. And help the current ones It looks like a jungle, and the landmark buildings are hidden. I don't like the idea of making the road even narrower than it is already, that would only make traffic congestion worse and increase air pollution.Anything that would improve the appearance of Bradshawgate is welcome, but I don't think you can get rid of shutters, unfortunately. I think shop owners would struggle to get insurance without them.Leigh Market is successful and well-loved, and must be preserved. If these proposals fall within the LUF criteria, fine, as long as the flooring, etc is done to a good standard (unlike Bradshawgate and Albion Street as they are now). I don't think such a large seating area is required. There are two cafes with seating areas already in the Spinning Gate, as well as all the supermarkets, and others. I know you want to promote "cafe culture" but I think there are too many now.Disappointing. There is nothing to inspire, attract, or create new business. Cosmetic/aesthetic improvements to shops, while very much needed, seems to be a maintenance issue, that should be carried out by property owners anyway (and maybe would be if business rates weren't so onerous?) If that falls within the scheme, then fine. But what has been proposed does not seem to be £20M worth. This seems like a waste of effort and would not be appreciated and used.We need more shops other then charity shops in leighThis is a great idea and should use ideas from Warrington Market where there are food and alcohol stands would bring a lot more people in. Generally traffic flow around Leigh town centre is poor at peak times and pushing more traffic to the bypass (which is already overloaded) will further increase congestion. More consideration of 'through traffic' needs to be made, to alleviate our overloaded road network.In order to rejuvenate the town and in particular Bradshawgate, the ability for businesses to develop longer opening hours for cafes and other eateries, with outdoor seating would bring in investment, revenue and social order to the 'ghost town' we have now after 6pm.It misses some key opportunities to provide sustainable activities that can themselves reinvigorate the town centre and address a number of ongoing social issues. Consider public safety as people will not use the space if they feel unsafe in the area as its currently the case. We should also discourage/ ban excessive advertisement as it makes the place looks untidy. The market is the hub of Leigh town centre and always has been, time for it to be made a place where everyone wants to go Whilst greenery is always welcome and your proposal will aesthetically be a facelift for the town square, it’s very disappointing that your proposal isn’t looking to the long term future of Leigh. This proposal is lacking a Business Hub where business investment, where local business people, scholars, local people can use to plan future events, future investment opportunities, thus encouraging a place where new visitors and existing visitors want to be. Your suggestion on its own is stagnant. It’s like a heart is no good without blood flow, it’s just a muscle with no pulse, building a business hub here at the centre gives our town a pulse, a driving force of ideas, future investment from investors and business people alike. It’s not a new concept. It’s model has been tried and tested in many, now successful towns. Toxteth! Altrincham to name a few. Local people wanting to give their time, listening, being inventive, creative, creating a Hub! Your proposal lacks a forward thinking plan, building a business Hub of local people at its centre is the pulse!This scheme needs, not only to be encouraged for works to be carried out by local people and trades people of Leigh, but guaranteed. The council’s procurement processes doesn’t support your statement. Works will result in going to larger companies nationally. The 20 million levelling up fund is meant to be for investment into Leigh’s future. Into creating opportunities for people of Leigh, although all of these proposed works all need doing, these works are your lack of maintenance over many years. This should have been done regardless of the 20 million fund. Once again, you are aesthetically proposing works that will look nice, but where are future opportunities? It’s a stagnant bid. Having business in Leigh, a shop on the high street, lived in Leigh for 37 years, raised two children here, who better than people of Leigh to group together in a Business Hub, modern, forward thinking, love their town, want to drive it forward, can see massive potential that our council is falling massively short. Having a business hub working together with our council should be a force to be reckoned with. Working together should be something our council could pride itself in. A Business Hub would have NO POLITICAL BIAS, would be all about future growth of our suffering, deprived town, our council have proved itself lacking in innovation by looking at the state of our high street, town centre. It’s all about promoting future investment to our town. It would be about creating that PULSE, a VIBE. Your proposed bid is lacking in growth, lacking in substance, lacking in forward thinking, lacking in a business plan, lacking in creativity. It’s a start! But when models exist, why aren’t you listening? Why aren’t you looking at other successes? They are all about local people being a driving force? We elected you as a body, listen please. It’s our businesses that suffer and are suffering, we need footfall to increase as well as updating modernising our high street, your proposals don’t cover that concept? Please listen. The levelling up fund of 20 million needs to create opportunities for the future too, yours falls short. It looks a mess at present does not make me want to visit Leigh at allIt doesn’t go far enough I'm glad that it's happening but It doesn't go far enough. These are things that should have been done already, this seems like almost backlog maintenance. More needs to be done in addressing anti social behaviour, reducing homes built on green space, improving public services including transport, increasing our green space. Why are you not bidding for the full amount. We could easily creat a cafe culture down the pedestrian street of an evening. Look at what Atherton has done that's what we should be doing creating somewhere exciting and vibrant, we shouldn't need to go to Manchester or Atherton for a nice evening out. I think it’s a good ideal but I feel without something to tie the rest of Leigh together I just fail to see how this will help Leigh level up and bring ROI on its own Again although a good idea and I’d love to see this I don’t see how this will help with inward investment and help struggling business owners Although I fully support changes to the market as they are long overdue. I strongly feel this should be done outside of the levelling up. This is a council owned asset and should be maintained and updated as part of the going concern not as part of the bidI understand that Leigh Means Business have put together a very comprehensive plan and I feel that the ideas put forward do not give us the best chance for us to level up our town. Road is busy enough as it is without narrowing it!! Its not unique enough. Just a rejig of everything Wigan.Shop owners can barely afford the rates let alone any cosmetic improvements!!Needs the Full amount of bid application. Needs more collaboration with Leigh team Needs more inspirational input I’d like to see these improvements but there are more things that the bid could include, like cafe culture, a building for big events, support for new business start-ups.Whilst this is a good idea and very much needed. I think you need to work together with “Leigh means business” and expand the plans to include other things to help bring more people to leigh. This type of investment into the empty shops and current shabby shops should have been done years ago and as a matter of course! Leigh has been a mess for years. Again whilst this is very much needed, this should have come from profits from the high rent, that the council charge the stall holders. The bid needs to include more things for the market, not just a face lift. For example Incentive schemes for people to use the mall and market, better advertising, free parking or refund on parking if buying from the mall or market. The Council’s bid is paying lip service to Leigh. This is always the case. I bet Wigan’s funding is much higher than £10 million! Why would the Council not want to put in for the maximum amount available??? Leigh needs so much work doing to it. We need to attract new small independent retailers and restaurants and bars. It’s virtually dead after 5pm. It’s such a depressing town. None of my friends visit Leigh because of many reasons. This proposal will not help any of the problems that Leigh is currently facing. Please amend this bid, it’s not enough for Leigh to improve sufficiently. Don't see how this will increase private investment. Its pretty but don't see anything in plans that would change it from just cut through. Is there a programme of events/activities/ or anything in the bid that I've missed that would make this a destination point and make the road /path alterations worthwhile? Are building owners likely to be in a position to match grant values? As in are they financially able and motivated. Is there anything in the plans that would make their investment worthwhile if they are beyond making it look prettier? I understand that more attractive store fronts may attract private investors but can't see that this proposal goes far enough to achieve this. Are the discount stores really that bothered about a pretty shop front? Are the building owners going to invest in making the changes if the discount stores are still likely to be the only interested tenants? Needs to be across the board to make a difference, will have no impact if only a couple of building owners apply for grant and the rest remains as is. Has there been any consultation with them? Are they on board and willing and able to match grants.? Local contractors should be a contingency not just encouraged, designs should be reviewed with whole rows in mind. If the market is successful and well loved then why hasn't it been maintained and has been allowed to deteriorate so that the roof leaks? I can see how natural light, ventilation and controlled heating are likely to increase customers and traders. Other than the market proposals, I can't see how the other plans in isolation will level up leigh at all. The most important aspects of this are to improve cycle paths and to clean the streets. Leigh is dirty. Their needs to be a massive clean up of litter, chewing gum, weeds. Leigh smells. It is not a nice place for pedestrians to walk. Pedestrian experience will be greatly enhanced by removing homeless people, reducing crime and getting rid of drugs especially the smell of cannabis I feel you should be looking at what’s happening in Tyldesley for ideas. There is a lot of independent traders/ shops. They are making use of the quality buildings. Get rid of the cheap shops and takeaways. Have some pride. Why are we stuck with Turkish barbers, hairdressers, Chinese nail bars, pound shops?! This is why Leigh attracts low quality residents because it provides low quality. There are a lot of empty stalls in the market. There is £20 million on offer. Why are you not applying for all of it? Leigh needs all of it! What about the community aspect? It’s very boring, same old stuff we’ve seen before. £10 million will go nowhere. What about the nightlife aspect which is shocking. A quality bar would be good but all licences are vetoed. Leigh needs more like £100 million. I feel this should be one of the last areas to focus onThis is the area of greatest need to get more shops and businesses into the area a lovely uniformed shopping area that is attractive to new business investment. This should be the 1st area of focus to bring in revenue. Encourage independent and businesses chains to move in. Expand the marketI think Leigh should be bold and have a retro/vintage design something unique not a concrete jungle. Something to attract businesses and customers in from the surrounding areas. Great opportunity to make huge differenceWould like to see some innovative attractive designs to improve and areas together. Such as a Victorian theme for Bradshawgate and the markets an attractive inspiring and impressive design Live in Leigh work in Wigan. The amount of disruption and traffic tail back that was caused by cycle lane done in Wigan was pointless. Goes from nowhere to nowhere, in the last few weeks it has been opened have seen hardly anyone use it. Another waste of money. By reducing road widths it will cause more tailbacks delaying public transport more. There are too many delapadated shops in the area. People I know who do not live in Leigh but travel in to do shopping, as they can get the things they can not get in there own town. They love the market but allways say it looks rough. The market is the main thing that brings people into the town. The town hall should still be used as the town hall, not a museum. Now it looks a bomb just hit it and had been patched up. The library should be a library not an overspill of council workers to stand around. More books less bodies. People won’t use an improved civic square as will still be frequented by the same undesirables. Any funding needs to be focussed on attracting stores people want to visit, and making the town centre and market appealing, not a civic square that gets used for Remembrance Day and Christmas light switch on. The rest of the time it’s full of scrotes.creating a uniform frontage and standardising what s allowed will create a more harmonious environment. The stalls need to be affordable, I know a tenant that left who was paying hundreds a month for a stall with very little footfall. Proposal is necessary to future proof our Market Hall.About time some finances were levelled at Leigh instead of Wigan town centre. It is the duty of the council to upkeep the market. These funds should not be used for general repairs improvementsThis does nothing to deal with the problems Leigh has which are underfunding by the current council and are there for everyone to see. The funding on offer should be applied for in full and made use of for real changes not just general upkeep. What a waste of money plus you know no one will match do you really think the public is that stupid to believe this is a genuine plan Your trying to reduce council costs eg electricity bill. By using the money to refurbish something you have the money already to do from the profits it’s generated Why ask for only half there are many good projects that could generate local wealth. Looks like your just ticking boxes so you can say well we tried .. Not nearly enough. Market Street could be vastly improved with a cafe culture and nice places to eat and drink. Atherton has proved this can be successfulWe need much better shops. Attractive shop fronts are a must to improve BradshawgateYou should be using money already raised from the market to maintain the building not the LUFYou should be forming a plan to apply for the full £20 million. We need a large upgrade to our town. This isn’t good enough Wigan Council This is a fantastic idea. The more tree lined common spaces and streets the better The current shopfronts on most shops are not welcoming at all. The market area would be better replaced by modern shops or restaurants. Throughout Leigh there are too many takeaways and other shops/bars that only open at night. These need to be replaced by modern shops restaurants or cafés. Before this is done the problem of inconsiderate parking on double yellow lines mainly top of Railway Road needs addressing.A more uniform appearance of shop fronts and the need to regularly maintain the upkeep. More emphasis in managing litter etc.Complete modernisation of Market. Not trendy enough at moment to attract customers or new business. Yes. The seating area looks good. We should be able to order takeaway food and sit anywhere to enjoy eating it. Similar to the trafgord center. But smaller scale. The people who hang about the town center causing trouble and disturbances anti social need to be moved. Bland, Third rate.There is £20m available and you want business renting property to pay to upgrade their rented property for the long term benefit of a landlord? Seriously?Hang on, this is a Wigan Council asset. It is they should be using their reserves and income from the market to fund this improvement, not windfall money which should be used for separate schemes.Go for the full £20m available and stop playing at it with some hanging baskets and refurbishing your own asset. We know you won't because you want to blame a Tory Gvt for repeated Labour council failings in Leigh. You want the Levelling Up Fund to fail hence why you have a bland unambitious bid. it would enhance the look of the town centre. It would then draw local businesses in to use them.This would then bring stallholders back (providing the rental charges are decent). A thriving market brings customers into the town centre to the benefit of other traders. Will improve the spaces and look more inviting for people to come into leigh This we really need will bring in more businesses and improve leigh town centre Leigh is a market town Improvements can only be a good thing and get people supporting local businesses Leigh needs this money if leigh town centre has any future Natural light will be a great improvement On the plans above it looks like pedestrians crossing the road will walk on to the cycle path. Will their be traffic lights to stop the cyclists from running into the pedestrians? Will their be security cameras covering all the square. This would make people feel more safe. Help in reducing vandalism and anti social behaviour.Have a written agreement that the shop/building owners who get grants will maintain their building fronts and area just outside their building. If they fall in to disrepair the council will notify them to fix it within a limited time or the council will repair it and charge the owner. This way we should have a nice kept shop’s and front area’s for many years. Your shop front illustration above seems to have removed security fronts on the shops. Will.the grants allow for internal security.The roof looks like a flat roof. That would give it a very short lifespan. A pitched roof would give a lot longer lifespan and would be worth any extra costs. If it’s a flat roof but me down for Dislike. 274 responses. How many people live in leigh? What percentage is this??? Pedestrian access is important BUT so is access to the town centre by car. I hope in this plan there will be an emphasis on car parking. Being elderly I need to be taken as close to my destination as possible. I cannot use a bicycle and buses are not reliable enough.Good local building companies should be given preference when giving out grant monies or financial support.I think Leigh Market is fine at the moment.I think any monies spent on this project should have very careful thought before any money is spent because it is public money being spent. No vanity projects please! Leigh needs an overhaul to meet the future not a luck of paintMust create the look to attract, This is standard housekeeping and not long term planning The impact of this for the community is poor How many times do we keep doing the same thing that fails. Concentrate on the areas that need it.This is key. Landlords need to be held to account.Although I support the improvements to a space to replicate what has been provided in the likes of Warrington. This funding should not be used to fix up what is a commercial business.This really is a poor effort that does not meet the needs of the community and what the town's needs. Really really disappointed with this - should've known better than to hope you would deliver something that would results. Gutted. need to do things which bring commercial investment, jobs and career opportunitiesI'm not sure these businesses will be able to afford 50% of the investment. Footfall won't be improved. It won't attract new shops or more much needed long term commercial investment.I can see how this could improve footfall and looks like its needed and the right thing to do. I however don't think it makes Leigh a destination, which it needs to become.I would still have no desire or reason to go into Leigh Town centre. The transport links to major towns and cities remains poor. I can't see this creating additional commercial investment, which should be the real value from levelling up, providing well paid jobs and career opportunities. Unimaginative and regressive proposals doing nothing to change the underlying poor infrastructure and traffic problems Leigh town centre needs more than this, also needs the full funding applying for I feel this way because the more green spaces and spaces for pedestrians will make a difference to the town center.in a way that it will give a positive vibe towards young and old generation.One could be developing an area for pepole to enjoy spaces to sit down and enjoy a hot drink with freinds and family.I think it will be very beneficial for the local communities and even in other parts of the wigan Council.It will be a good opportunity for leigh to have something good for the community. We need modernising and looking cleaner When providing the cycling space, it us important to ensure it goes somewhere and doesn't suddenly come to a dead end. Also ASB on the square may be an issue which needs to be nipped in the bud - perhaps discreet security cameras tgat are wotking.Vital to regenerate the shopping areas - this is a great idea and most welcome. Important that businesses are well established and/or have a sound business plan and that there is a good variety of goods / services on offer. Aso a good srandard of renovation.It is very important to enhance the market. Leigh market has an excellent reputation. The introduction of a seating area is a great idea - Warrington has a similar set up and it is most attractive - it encourages people into the market.It is good to read of these plans to redevelop key areas of the town. Ldigh used to be a thriving town but we have lost a sense of identity and - with it - pride in the area. Currently the town centre is grubby, unswept and often litter strewn. Standards need to be raised, and people encouraged to take pride in our town once more. Needs to be maintained to high standard in order to be attractive to all and not just a meeting place for anti-social behaviour.Needs a standard approach to styles of shop frontages in order not to result in a hotchpotch of mismatched businesses.Look to included artisan food and dining like Altrincham Market.Whilst realistic in achieving what may practicable with the funds available. it still lacks the vision to make a go to destination for shopping compared to say Bury or Altrincham Town centres. We want the town to look nice when we have shoppers coming in from out of town as well as local people Would be a pleasant experience to shop in This would make Leigh town centre more appealing for visitors This is the hub of our community I would welcome more local stall holders Considering the needs of disabled customers with limited mobility Push cars to the outskirts of the town. They take up huge amounts of space, bring lots of noise and smoke and force everyone to squash up at the side of the road. When people go on holiday and they visit car-free European cities they say how lovely they are but challenge the same thing happening here. Lets make that change, lets make our town centre car free and lovely for people.Ambitious because I severely doubt Leigh will be granted anything. The tories aren't interested in the north. Even our own MP has pushed to stop leigh getting access to a high speed railway network so we're not going to get and funds from them. I'd love to see it happen but would be incredibly surprised if it did. That said the plans look good. Leigh is in dire need of improvement, the town centre is incredibly depressing, I rarely go there and it's really hard to get there if you haven't got a car or don't want to to drive, that has to change. Some active travel measures like we see in Wigan would be great. Civic Square is currently isolated from town centre, with bus station, market and commercial hub. Plan to link the two with a pleasanter, greener pedestrian access is a good ideaSome of the architecture in Leigh town centre is structurally handsome, but has become run down and looks rather seedy, which doesn't attract people to visit the town. Upgrading some of the business premises may have a positive effect on footfall, bringing new commercial opportunities.Market has the advantage of proximity to the bus station and adjacent Spinning Gate. It used to be an excellent market but has been declining of late, with several stalls closing. Some were 'duplicates', e.g. fruit & veg but others have left the market completely, such as the sewing stall. More variety would probably entice more people to visit, as would public toilets. The road system by The Avenue and in front of the town hall building both ways is already congested most of the day, by narrowing the road you will create even worse traffic congestion making people late for work etc. Please remember not everybody has the luxury of walking or cycling from point A to B, it seems you constantly aim your project against drivers, narrowing the road is ***** bad and idea as the awful junction you created on Atherleigh Way that replaced the "kamikaze" roundaboutLandlords who own the shops and buildings should be made accountable for maintaining crumbling buildings and keep them in a manner befitting the town, surely there has to be a process the council can utilise to hold landlords accountable?You need to reduce your rent demands on stall owners, the town needs a market and currently our market is the local community heartbeat of the town, but your excessive draconian rent demands are forcing many into leaving as they simply cannot function at a loss! Sadly your current methods of financing the market is nothing short of modern day "highway robbery" This will do nothing to level up Leigh. Planting a few plants and adding a few benches that will be damaged within weeks is a token gesture. Making the area more attractive and accessible will not work with the current law breaking drunks and drug users loitering around. What business will this bring to Leigh?This will not attract new business just make it cheaper for rate crippled businesses to tidy up their shop fronts. This again is not levelling up it will see no extra money brought into our town from new business.This is surely a misprint? The up keep of the building should NOT be funded by grants it must come from the profits generated in rent. This is totally the wrong project and a misuse of public money.Surely you can do better than this?? Not done by a Leigh person is very obviousNo speculation, this money is to make it happen again wasted by folk who don’t live hereFur coat and no knickers proposal - a radical shift is needed to meet the towns aspirationsIf this goes ahead it’s a wasted opportunity Better accessibility means more people able to use the facilities. More people living in town centre but with no private garden space therefore needing more easily accessible green space. That area of Leigh is very grey and dowdy and needs to be made more naturally attractive. Managed wildflower planting would provide a haven for insects and birds. Think it's a great idea but there MUST be control and buildings MUST be refurbished in the traditional style. Any pebbledashing or rendering should be overpainted in a limited number of pastel colours ( e.g. cream, pale blue, pale beige, pale pink) NO garish yellows and reds. Limitation on time for building owners to agree and contribute - otherwise building taken into council ownership - too many corporate and absentee landlords own property in Leigh and simply do not manage them and allow it them to run down.Leigh Market Hall is ugly. Many of the stalls are empty. I think it is far too big for a town served by so many supermarkets. I hope the plan is successful and sustainable. However I feel alternatives could be considered e.g. food traders might move into one of the larger empty premises in the town centre (e.g. the old Home Bargain store), whilst other traders who wish to continue could be moved into other vacant premises - the old Argos store in the Mall or on the retail park?Anyone agreeing to move could be offered a rental rate deal. This would fill some of the empty shops bringing down the town. The Market Hall could then be part demolished to create a central green space and the remainder used for seated under cover eating and drinking area with glazed doors onto the open green space. I doubt it will happen because there has to be a will on all sides for a bid to be made and to succeed. Leigh is merely Wigan Councils cash cow. Build more houses, collect more council tax but NEVER invest ( Imean REALLY invest not rearrange the paving stones every few years). What’s the point in improving this area then you turn into Bradshawgate which is falling apart with empty shops and boarded up buildingsBradshawgate looks like Beirut on a bad day so anything to improve it has to bring in more shoppers to the centre of LeighMake car parking free if you spend money in the town/market. Parking is free in Atherton why not in Leigh. Reward people for using the shops and market The amount of money available can’t make a significant difference it’s simply sticking plaster and tape exercise to try and make the town look better. What about some jobs? Improved roads? Free car parks? Leigh is definitely in need of improvement. It would be fantastic if those suggested improvements could be made. It is just fiddling around the edges. It might look nicer but what does it add to economic regenerative activity?? It won't attract more people with money into Leigh because it will simply become more of a focus for the disenfranchised and therefore other people will avoid it. Once again......the streets might look nicer but what is really needed are funded schemes that attract new sme's to the town centre and surrounding streets. Rate relief would be one such offer.Unless footfall in Leigh is increased a great deal, Leigh Market will be unviable and spending money refurbishing it won't help. These projects cannot add up to the £20 million that is available. Surely there could be much more ambition and a focus on enterprise and economic regeneration?????? Anything is good for Leigh to encourage more people into Leigh Again the good news updates town All good idea and all needs work done Only got so much money so split it up and do something for all three projects would be great to all Leigh residents feel the benefit and finely Leigh is the place to go instead of Wigan getting a lot spent on it Make sure the buildings don't lose their historyNeeds public toilets I like the plans for the civic square but feel the widening of pathways for cyclists and pedestrians is totally useless. These paths are already wide enough, I walk on these paths regularly and never feel there isn’t enough space. doing this will just waste money that could be used for other improvements. This would improve the look of the town centre if all shops participate Improvements on the market are great. It is one of the best things about the town centre and needs to be upgraded and appreciated Some parts about the improvement to the civic square, shop fronts and market are exciting and sensible ideas. Changing pathways that do not need widening are impractical, will make no difference to the public and be a waste of money Leigh has always suffered where funding is concerned as it is often siphoned away to wigan, now that we have £20m available we should be applying for that full amount not half. This lets down the town again as it has been let down hundreds of times before. Leigh deserves better. Will definitely attract families, who are afraid or reluctant to go there now.We have some lovely buildings in town, and this scheme would really show them off. Also people would be more willing to shop in town if the place looked like we cared about it.Markets are meeting places. Having somewhere to sit and chat, would encourage more people to use it, which would improve business for market stall holders.Leigh town centre is in need of desperate change. This plan will go a long way to encouraging the right people to visit once again. People will be able to take pride in the town once more, and businesses will benefit, especially if Wigan Council were to reduce business rates as well. The Council has ignored Leigh for too long, and it is wonderful that someone has come up with this plan to make positive changes for residents of all ages. Possibility of open air cafe via the library open air dining on the square till evening/more contemporary venues/safe/drug free/alcoholics free/clean/looked after coffee shops outside seating/ like Royal Exchange Square in Manchester bring Leigh into 21st CenturyEncourage studio/workspaces in the top rooms for local artists/writers/musicicans/reduced rates but that brings in income/reduce the tat shops encourage brands M & S /Tescos/Primark/ to try our shops spaces/ inhabited shops are better than empty shops REDUCE THE RATES It all needs to come into the 21st century/visiting cooks cooking with the stalls wears/open air modern dining/encourage companies to come in chinese/indian/fish cuisine/ one night a week dining/FREE PARKING OR FREE PARKING AFTER 3PM Late night for market anyone working till 4 cant get there every shop in Leigh caters to people not working they all close about 4pm open it up bring life back make it a young persons place aswell as continuing to welcome the older and the elderly who are avid supporters Livelier music local bands playing Reggae Jazz Disco encourage people to move listen dance as they are passing and enjoy I think it is UNREALISITIC UNLESS ITS DONE PROPERLY as I am not sure it will follow through its always a mediocre attempt it needs massive change bringing it into the 21st Century The place is depressing at the minute many people call it alsorts of daft names and wont go onto the main street due to the mix of strangeness and lack of shopping they call it Sean of the Dead Street IF it is followed up and done professionally and well then it will be success ful everything always seems halfhearted People are moving into Leigh from all over the country you can tell by the accents on the street bring it back to life. WEVE HAD SOME FANTASTIC BUILDINGS/THE SPORTSMAN/THE RAILWAY ARCHES/TRAVISPERKINS HIGH BUILDING/THE BANKS/THE DUTCH INSPIRED BUILDINGS RAILWAY RD Anywhere else theyd be loved and looked after here they are left to decay or even worse destroyed There is ample space on Market Street to give more priority to pedestrians and cyclists How will traffic get through the town centre with this restriction in place? There needs to be some work at the asda and retail park junctions of the atherleigh bypass or you will create even more accidents there by pushing through traffic onto the only other route Local contractors must be compulsory Unless we address the issues of drugs and drink in railway road this will not change the town centre usuage at all With the money we can go for this isn't enough. The market was already promised but never followed through. What about brining people to the town centre? Bradshaw gate? New alcohol licenses for micro bars and a nicer safer environment to drink jist like Atherton, boothstown, Astley? Traffic is already a nightmare The pavements are significant size as they are and in all the time i pass on foot and car i don’t see a great deal of cyclists, to reduce the road width for this sounds like a very stupid idea and will only cause more congestion in traffic around the area.. as As well as more traffic caused by constant homes being built everywhere ? Need to sort the roads out to compensate for all homes being built and not reduce there size ! I’m a regular walker and rare i drive in town yet this is another stupid idea cause havoc on the road. Hopefully this idea will not be at stall holders expense rates for stalls are significantly higher than the likes of Wigan. Whilst i like the idea of market and shop fronts being upgraded 👍 the idea of bottlenecking roads whilst adding constant homes everywhere causing more traffic is utter madness yet i suppose that helps to try push CAZ charges on to everyone… so it’s no surprise from Wigan council. Not ambitious enough. Purely aesthetic and serves no real purpose. I feel that the long term outcome of this is yet another undermaintained, underutilised space, ending out decrepit after a few years time. Further pedestrianisation of Leigh is fine and all, but the road transport in-and-out of the town is already mediocre at best, and Narrowing the roads will only serve to cause yet more traffic and more emissions overall. Again, purely aesthetic and is mostly just "maintenance". Modernising Leigh by simply changing how it looks is not the way forward. It's not offering anything new, and only serves to take yet more money out of the pockets of store owners, who are already starved of funds due to low visitor rates. Some shiny new shop fronts doesn't really offer anything unique or a gives people a reason to visit Leigh or to shop on the High Street other than a fresh lick of paint and some new windows and doors. This is completely tone-deaf. This should be down to the actual owners of the market who are charging substantial rates way above neighboring towns, and offering nothing in return. Again, purely maintenance and aesthetic. It's too expensive to run a stall there, and I feel that doing this isn't really making that any easier for small business owners. The Internet has already made running a stall mostly redundant, so I don't understand why this needs so much investment from the bid when it should be down to the actual Leigh Market team. I'll re-iterate my point of "tone deafness" here. Leigh is a struggling town caught in the shadow of surrounding areas that offer a lot more, are easier to get to, offer more variety, and have businesses that are able to thrive and survive. The problem with Leigh isn't aesthetics or knackered buildings, it's the fact that it doesn't offer any reason for people to actually visit it. Some gardens, pathways and a solar roof is hardly going to inspire anyone. All the time we see more shops close down, the surviving ones on market Street are all chains ie. McDonald's, CeX, etc. Leigh needs to find it's soul, it's "killer app", a reason for people to come from Salford and other surrounding areas, and offer things that nowhere else locally can provide. We need more places to eat and drink, that aren't just takeaways and dive bars. Shops that fill more market niches than just second hand and charity shops. Community and business hubs to help people grow and bring yet more money into Leigh's pot, and available funding and support for those businesses to survive. Leigh should be a town people can be proud of, and not just a dingy little commuter town on the outskirts of Manchester - a place people would much rather visit but can't actually get to due to poor public transport and V1 buses that are always too full. It's a place behind the times, and as a business owner here, it's hard to look to the future when the town is too busy being stuck in the past. Leigh doesn't need maintenance, it needs inspiration, reinvention, and new opportunities both for it's citizens, and its future. I drive an do not like idea of making roads smaller It is about. Time they did something like this in leigh for all we pay in rates an let builders from leigh do the jobs Allows people to respect Leighs history and build for the future via a town square 👍. The area can then be utilised for community events. Improving the appearance of anything allows for greater respect of its surroundings. As soon as something is neglected and run down it drags the area around it down and becomes a target for vandalism. Makes it appealing to visit. Bid for full amount of the 20 million and spend some in Atherton as well I believe Leigh has had a few reinvention but leveling up should go to smaller towns in Wifan Borough. This has been proposed in Atberton previously yoy will fund myself trying to gain funding for it previously for Atherton. It isn't fair that funds get ignored for smaller towns in the borough on tbe east sideUse Council funding for this and divert leveling up to atherton Concerning because time and time again atherton and other towns are ugnored. It is beyond a joke now we have to rely on private investment but leigh and wigan get revamps constantly Make another part of leigh the main meeting point - there's nothing there and it's out of the way. Invest in another area.Bradshawgate is dead - making it look prettier won't do anything. Invest in town spaces which draw in newer, more exciting business.Attract more high profile business to spinning gate - no more charity shops or cheap tatThis doesn't upgrade Leigh - it attempts to make it look a little better. Actually I vest in people and new spaces. Create jobs and wealth, drive people back Into the town. Don't give it a lick of paint and expect it to flourish. Create incentive, be bold. Reducing road width will not help traffic that is needed to keep Leigh shops viable. Increasing costs on retailers will not help to get shops to reopen. Reducing business rates in town centre and increasing business rates to out of town businesses would level up shopping experiences. Use of local contractors should be mandatory.It's a start but should already be on council plans. Why have we had to wait until the last minute to ask for these comments. Looks like Wigan Labour Council is doing its usual best to keep Leigh in its second class place... Definitely needed This is a poor use of funding, a few planters and creating traffic pinch points do nothing to enhance the town centre and attract business or events. The railings creating a barrier should be removed and the squate linked to development of the car park opposite into a place that attracts further investment. This should be tied with changing the mix of businese on Market atreet to create a destination worth visiting There is a lack of detail and ambition here. There should not be a contributory grant it should be fully funded and include the majority of bradshawgate to enhance the centre to make it a desirable investment for new businesses.Funding should be used to enhance the offer and viability of the town centre. Adding a few windows to the top of the market hall and widening openings to the shopping centre do not achieve this. To make the market better reduce rents to encourage new traders and create a viable low rent outdoor market to encourage start up business ventures and bring traders from other areasOnly bidding for half of the available funding is a pathetic effort, there should be a bold vision which has the supportnof the businesses that make a viable town centre and creates a destination that others want to invest in. These plans look like they were drawn up in haste and do nothing to provide regeneration or growth to the town. Instead of small hidden consultations every household should receive a paper consultation so that every household has the opportunity to give their thoughts and input. Not everyone is online or on facebook This is not what people in Leigh want. If businesses were viable they would be able to fund this work themselves. They need support to.improve or change their buisness model rather than a new shop front. I agree some work needs to be done here, however work also needs to be done to reduce antisocial behaviour in the market and across the town centre. I don't fo into Leigh anymore due to this reason. This sees to be about making to town ce tre look nice rather than tackling the wider problems. Planters outside the library and new shop fronts won't get me back into Leigh. The social issues and buisness development need to be tackles before any of this work is undertaken. Roads are not wide enough for cycle lanes, we have cycle lanes in Holden Road in Leigh and cars are parked on them. No win. We pay for theses services in our council tax. The levelling up grant should not be for maintenance.It's all takeaways, not going to improve anything, the Landlords are not bothered about improving the buildings. Example old Leigh technical college on railway road. Investing in a shop front is not going to change the fortunes of the town centre or make anyone extra money so no sane business owner will want to put their hand in their pocket.Like this would make any difference.Lower the rents Boring. It needs a plan that will make real change. Leigh is disgusting and needs updating and money spending g Leigh needs the grant scheme Leigh needs developing it is turning into the roughest area around and it’s because of lack of investment This must be done! The pavement widths are fine - the road widths cannot be reduced due to incorporating two lanes of traffic and a bus lane.Feels a bit shallow investment plus trying to get the landlord's paying for anything, even with a grant involved, will be like drawing blood from a stone.This is simply maintenance work like giving the market a lick of paint. This is only putting a plaster on the situation. This will do nothing to encourage footfall into the market or make the market significantly better. Wigan Council should be maintaining the market in the ways suggested anyway from the profits they make from the rent they're given. I'd hardly call this a levelling-up upgrade. We need something that will transform the fortunes of the market, not just give it a lick of paint and send it on its way being in the same situation. I'd hardly call this proposal levelling up. All that's been proposed is maintenance work - replacing what's already there with more of the same and giving it a lick of paint. Leigh town centre is dying because of a lack of investment to actually improve it! The proposal is uninspiring and a waste of money. Leigh deserves a better plan that will actually transform the town. The council seem to be getting levelling up and maintenance work mixed up if this proposal is anything to go by. We need real change and investment to make Leigh an exciting opportunity for new businesses to invest in, others to grow and to encourage jobs and footfall in the town. This proposal will do nothing to grow that - it will keep everything the same. The square is already big enough for pedestrians. When you have events on the square e.g light switch on the town centre comes gridlocked with cars so narrowing the road won't help The grant money could be spent in better ways e.g market. Shop owners should he made to upgrade premises with out grants The market to buy food / local procuce is too expensive that is why people travel to local towns, if the layout is improved though and more stalls either clothesor food maybe it will be more inviting I thought the fund would include improvement to railway road. Make it useful again thriving shops instead of shutters down til takeaways open late afternoon. Sort out the congestion on twist lane instead of narrowing roads leading to it. Spending money on planters isn't going to level up the area This does not cover further enhancement of pedestrianisation in Bradshawgate with more greenery in other areas. Pedestrianising Market Street and some of railway road is key to improving the centre. Market St could be made more of a focal point with a linear park. This is not joined up thinking. Many of these shops will never be filled. These empty units could be converted for housing in the town. This is a waste of money. Please can you explain why the Council bid is only for 10 million while an alternate bid is for 20 million by Leigh Buisness group? Why not have a market hall style venue? With more places to eat. Such as Like Hatch- Manchester, Warrington Market Hall or Baltic Market - Liverpool. You need to attract younger people to the market. A new demographic needs new ideas - event nights, taster events, art and craft market, record fairs, farmers market. Renovating the building will not stop the decline. Why is the Levelling up bid only 10 million Where's Wigan is getting 140 million for a new market and shopping centre. This is levelling down in Leigh and completely discriminatory and unfair. As council tax payers in Leigh we are disenfranchised. The plans for the Leigh levelling up Fund are uninspiring and there is no creative thinking or imagination. This just appears to be throw money at afew green raised beds and plant a few trees and cosmetic changes to shops. There needs to be a more long term pedestrianised plan to open up spaces, create more linear parks and more hubs with cafes and pop up shops and events. People need a reason to visit town centres and planting afew trees and new fronts on shops will not change that!! There needs to be more consultation with different groups and businesses in the town to see what they want. Also why is the bid only for 10 million while the bid by Leigh Means Buisness is for 20 million? Please can Wigan Council explain why the bid is so low? Leigh has always been disenfranchised by Wigan Council and comparing 10 million to the 140 million which will be spent on Wigan centre is completely unfair. There needs to be more cultural events to bring people into the town aswell such as bands, street theatre and other events such as a Grafitti art/ Mural festival. As there is lots of walls that could be utilised for art. See Upfest - Bristol or City of Colour - Birmingham. Bring in more cultural events and you will attract more people and more footfall. Leigh Market needs a complete overhaul. Not just add afew windows and some seating. You need to redesign the whole interior and introduce a market hall and Food hall style approach. A very unimaginative and boring bid which will do nothing to improve the town. Soulless with a clear lack of consultation and just going through the motions. Very poor bid in my opinion. all of this should be paid from the profits over the years this is maintenance This will do very little to increase footfall in the Town Centre.This will create a cosmetic difference, but will do nothing to create economic growth in the town centre.This maintenance work should have been funded from the market's income streams and not rely on money that is supposed to be developmental. It won't act as a catalyst for further investment in Leigh.I am hugely disappointed in this whole proposal. How will it generate higher-paid, higher-skilled jobs and new investment into Leigh? These are the basic requirements of any Levelling Up Fund bid. There is an absence of any evidence of how these aims would be achieved in the information that you have presented in this consultation. In addition, why is the bid only for £10 million instead of the full £20 million which is available? Is Leigh not worthy of the full amount? Leigh deserves much better than this and I am aware that there are much better options available. Abandon this sorry proposal and come up with something that will act as a catalyst for the development of our town. It's just cosmetic. Road doesn't need to be narrowed. Buildings are more of an issue.It doesn't include the buildings on Market Street which are a real eyesoreNeed to reduce the cost of having a stall as well as improving the building. It was successful but rents too high.Missing the whole point of improving shop buildings and lowering rents for shops. No one is going to come to the town centre to admire the planters etc, need more decent shops/businesses to do that. Leigh is like the land that time forgot! I used to be a beautiful place but now it's awful! I avoid it at all costs! If it was brought up to reasonable standards with these new proposals, I think more people would visit Leigh, I myself would, this could only be a good thing for the shops as it would bring well needed financial help for these shops. It would also make people feel safer and more inclined to shop in Leigh again. Leigh is tired, old and in a very poor state, it needs money spending on it to entice people to shop in Leigh again. It really is like the land that time forgot!!! Markets are a disappearing, much loved and needed institution, a good market will bring financial gain to the town, look at Bury Market!!! Everyone loves a good market! Please bring Leigh shopping centre/town back to its former glory, its way over due for a face-lift and a very much needed modernisation and cash injection, we're losing all our little market towns, let's not make Leigh another one lost forever! its bradshawgate you need to improve the the library squarewe need shops filling more than how they lookany improvement is a must The levelling up fund is not intended to be used by the council to maintain its assets, it should be used to transform our town for the better. the council should be paying for the market and library square not the fund Decisions should not be made behind closed doors. This is not levelling up. Real change is needed. To take a look at Warrington Altrincham Southport Markets.they have completely transformed there towns . It's not enoughIt still looks quite ugly from the outside. The refurbishment needs more money to be a complete transformation It's good but it's not good enough. There should of been more effort involved in the consultations, 200 response is not enough. I for 1 had no idea about the consultation. Leigh needs more than what is proposed. It's not enough for this thriving northern town. Narrowing roads will increase congestion, and the number of cyclists doesn’t warrant the need.What will happen with all the derelict town centre buildings?The market needs to a wider variety of stalls.Leigh Town centre needs derelict shops and their appearance dealing with. The other major factor preventing people from feeling safe whilst shopping are the drug addicts and lowlife that.late running wild in the main high street. Non of this is supporting local businesses to survive and regeneration of the the town This is not levelling up, take the 20 million and actually bring investment into the town. Bring in restaurants, bars and nice shops - including small businesses. This current plan is unimpressive, and it sounds like you haven't listened to anyone under the age of 60! I think this bid could be used more wisely to create more opportunity. The fronts are old and in disrepair, they need upgrading for our march into the coming yearsI love our market, it's been our hub for years, anything you need, try the market first. it needs a new lease of life. it's social visits and camaraderie amount the well known traders. they are part of my life and others toothe future of leigh is something wonderful to think about, something wonderful for our children to be proud of, to have pride in Leigh is a disgrace and not appealing for shopping It desperately needs updating I don't feel this will do anything to benefit Leigh long-term. The area has always been known for antisocial behaviour so I feel the greenery, street furniture and play trail will be damaged regularly and WMBC will do the usual practice of not keeping up with the maintenance/repairs and 12 months later it'll hardly ever be used for the purpose it was built for. The money could be better used elsewhere in my opinion.Although I agree that the market does need updating and repairing but I believe this should have been done as part of the general maintenance. The amount of profit WMBC has had from the market should mean this sort of thing should have already been happening. This LUF should not be used for something that should already be happening. Leigh market has a much higher average rent when compared to other local markets in or around WiganHas any of this bid had any input from anyone who lives in Leigh. It has come across as the usual WMBC sort of thing that has been happening for years. Leigh will not 'level up' with decisions made by people from outside of Leigh that will not benefit from these things. Out of what I have seen, I can't see how the £20M available would be spent. What would happen to the remaining £5-10M? Plants and trees just get ripped out by kids and youths and we have a pedestrian zone that’s full of Not very nice people dealing drugs and taking drugs It’s not about making what we have look good we need to get these units filled with new business Look at giving some incentives to get some bigger names into the town. Market has made money this should be put back into the upkeep of it Need to look at ways of bringing new business back into Leigh Mixed feelings, if you can stop vandalism, it will be great, unfortunately a lot of people prefer to spoil anything that is nice, also need to stop alcohol on the streets .Need to address vandalism, would also be nice to have some nice bars and restaurants on bradsawgate. Need more variety. Needs to get back to its former glory. i would like to see proposals to encourage new businesses to the area and fill all the vacant shops with real shops that we need in the town. Not enough ambitionA lot of money will be spent for no overall improvement Why are you not going for the 20 million and really trying to revamp the whole town centre? Local businesses know the improvements needed to the shops and that using local builders is a good idea too.Please put the bid in for Leigh, let Wigan council sort themselves out. It’s time we took charge and gave new direction to a tired town. It will be better to have more daylight and a brighter spacious place but doing something more upmarket like Warrington have done with their food court etc would bring a better class of people into the town. Small bars and fancy foods rather than tat stalls and crappy cafes or pubs shopsI chose concerning because I don’t think it targets leigh in the right way. Other towns are moving towards small fancy bars and eatery’s but this bid for Leigh will just be focussing on making the place look a bit better briefly rather than attracting better customers and visitors and giving people a reason to visit the town centre. Empty shops are still empty even with a fancy frontage! The whole style and types of venues need to be changed Need to get more shops in rather than make the current ones look a bit nicer. Rubbish shops won’t encourage people into the town How will it be controlled to stop anti social behaviour spoiling what looks to be a very nice green oasis within an urban area?What happens if the business owners of the properties don't want to be involved?I feel this definitely needs pushing forward as the market is a central part of what shopping in Leigh is all about, it is part of a social hub for a lot of people and with the improvements would make it a pleasanter experience for all and I'm sure it would attract new stall holders if the refurbishment bid was successful.I do hope that the bids are successful, I am not a Leyther born and bred but remember it from my youth having lived close by (Culcheth) and have very fond memories of how it used to be, proud not tatty as it is now, so fingers crossed for all three bids. Uninspiring Nothing has changed needs more thought and workHow will this benefit us as shoppers it's not upgrading the market Leigh deserves better than what you have cone up with it feels like the council don't listen or care about what the people of leigh want or need Not greatly ambitious, its great to see it look better but you need something around that area to pull people in. Shop frontage is a great idea, how do you get buy in from shop owners...and what about all the empty shops.I'm not sure the levelling fund is aimed at maintenance which this seems what it is. Surely we should be using it to explore making it appealing to new ventures and new customers with a joined up marketing. Leigh town centre needs more green spaces along with outdoor eating cafes and daytime lunches!To avoid the pitfalls of glamourised shops but no footfall to keep them open! STOP all the drinking/drug takers/street beggers to make shoppers feel safeStop traders using the areas outside of their stalls it restricts the walkways and gives a scruffy look! It opens up and actually uses the space I wouldn't invest in a business in Leigh as it stands now. As a result my money gets spent outside of leigh Events can take place already but don't.This does not level up. Just keeps things the sameIn principle it sounds good and cosmetically will improve the looks of the town. But we need more investment. Cafe society etc. Westhoughton and Atherton have made much more improvement s than Leigh. We look like a poor relation and run down. I prefer the Leigh means business proposals. We need to be bidding for the whole 20 millionThus money should have been sent anyway. Sounds more like repairs than being innovative. This keeps Leigh the same and not what I thought levelling up means. I prefer Leigh means business proposals after all this is our town. Surely we need to be heard and listened to as to what we really want for our community. Were becoming a town of buildings with multiple occupancy dwellings. This is really decimating out town centre to the point where it feels unsafeWe need to be bidding for the full £20 milion to make real improvements to the town and to the locals quality of life. Real regeneration is needed not a sticking plaster which is purely cosmetic from Wigan's proposal. Please listen to the Leigh population. We're desperate to improve our town centre. The majority fully back Leigh Means Business proposals. We understand what we need and want for our town. This is literally just adding a few trees and reducing restricting access to the town on a shorter road. What interest does is generate? It may be a good addition to an actual plan. Be some nice backhanders to Wigan construction firms. Theres plenty in Leigh and should get a preferencial bid.What? Bigger entrances? Is this a joke? This is just maintanence work and should be reinvested anyway. Why waste money on big doors and wifi that could be better invested?Very unambitious and wasteful. I dont see any added value here apart from trying to dress up a town that needs investment with a could of trees, new paint on a building and wifi. Go for the full £20m investment and do lets see some actual benefits while this opportunity is here. There needs to be a reason for people to want to visit the Civic Square in the first place. There needs to be an incentive for people to visit, where is the attraction or the anchor building? The team should consider what will draw people to this space.I think there needs to be more done to attract/procure the right type of businesses. This describes a lot of essential maintenance work that should have been completed a long time ago... The idea of high profile branding, signage and WiFi are good and necessary. But the market needs innovation and a rebrand. The idea if including a seating area could go further in order to attract new people and therefore generate income into the town. For instance, a food hall which we k own from other neighbouring towns are always very successful.I'd really like there to be more transparency as to the costs of these plans. I struggle to see how this equates to £20million. As Leigh is a priority 1 town, now is our opportunity. I feel the plan lacks ambition and innovation and I'd have hoped for a lot more. We definitely need it. The shops in Leigh look tired, quite a lot of empty shops. I feel like business isn’t the same in Leigh anymore a lot of people are venturing out of the area to do shopping Needs something as everything is mismatched and run down More can be done and is neededAgain more can be done. It’s good making the existing look better but what about all the empty shops and almost derelict appearance of a lot of bradshawgateThis is worth it as the market is brilliant but again the council should have put more money into this before. If money had been put back into this it would not be in such a shape now. Long overdue It's not a place where people will congregate. It's just the bit outside the library and Town HallIt's what's in the shops that's lacking. It's all superficial. Spend the money then what's left as a legacy, not hing! I suppose the public consultation feedback was open to interpretation. What a shame you took the least imaginative and unambitious route. Surely the people of Leigh deserved better!!! Without the infrastructure all this will be destroyed in a matter of weeks by the element of our community that appear to be lawless.This should be provided by the local authority anyway Leigh Town centre is unsafe due to the actions of the many people that you find there who seem to think they are above the law. Until the locals feel safe to shop there it doesn't matter how pretty the buildings are they will not return. Not ambitious. Reduce road width for cyclists how many cyclist would use it if more jobs are in town then less need for bikes or cars. Do cyclist have an easy journey to get to the nice new wide section.Yes. But people need to be able to get into town. Also need to be able to park. Rates could be an issue. Perhaps offer a scheme that benefits shops that use electric vehicle delivery . A scheme to help them develop ecommerce Its not bad. Why not give it a green roof also . Independent traders could have access to ecommerce site and e delivery provided by the market team. A market ecommerce site and market e delivery service... Town centre needs fixing up and made more inviting. Why not ask for the full £20 million , this doesn’t look like levelling up to me ! As a standalone investment, I am unsure if this is a good use of the levelling-up bid.As a shop owner, it is difficult to pass comments without knowing the details of eth proposed scheme. The landlord has been contacted and he forwarded us a copy of the survey issued. Is the incentive for Landlords (building oners) or tenants (the merchants operating in the shop). Also, the lower examples of before and after shop fronts are suggested with and without security shutters, seems a strange comparison? Surely this is basic maintenance rather than levelling up. Will any consideration be given to other traders in Leigh who are struggling to maintain their roof structure (e.g. the tens of thousands being spent repairing roof top vandals on our high street?It is difficult given eth information provided to know what percentage of the £20m 'priority one' bid is being made. Surely the proposal isn't costing the full £20m? I would also be keen to understand the projected impact on our town regarding job creation and economic growth. Sorry to be so negative but having spent time researching alternatives I find the bid very disappointing. Sounds great,. It's been needed for a long time, might breathe some life into the area, oy problem us the alcoholics and drug users that ruin it, I can't take my children round there anymoreAgain this has been needed for many years, it's about time something was done about regenerating leigh How is this levelling up? There is no nothing here that will attract new business or enterprise. Whilst the new planting is environmentally pleasing, there is nothing that can be described as an event space. What benefit is narrowing the road, on this stretch going to achieve?This should be done as council refurbishment work, not as part of this bid. Leigh has got terrible public spaces they are mainly full of the homeless and drug users not a safe space to be. Unfortunately improving the shop fronts is not the answer that's just cosmetic. There are no businesses in leigh that will attract customers from outside of the area so until you make it viable to run a business in leigh its a waste of time. Unfortunately leigh market has seen better days and it has a tired and cheap appearance now . There needs to be a big push to increase quality stallholders by reducing the rent and a big push on getting customers through the door .In the sixties leigh was a lovely town were people met up just for a chat all this has gone now There are no outside businesses now just local ones which unfortunately don't attract outside visitors . We have no working town hall just a couple of tables in the library with unhelpful staff and no police station. There needs to be some big changes to encourage businesses and visitors to the town centre I for one wont be going unless there is ! The square can already be used for events as is, it just isn’t. Reducing road width will create unnecessary traffic jams in an already congested town where the pavements are already wide enough, they just need resurfacing. Isn’t wigan and Leigh council supposed to maintain street lighting and crossings any way?You aren’t going to get money from the building owners as they’ve let them fall into a decrepit state already. As for using local contractors would be encouraged, it should say after all local contractors have been employed along with apprentices we’ll then look further afield for workers Don’t the market traders pay enough money in rent and rates to cover what is essentially a council owned building that has once again been used as a cash cow and left to become run down??There is a £20 million fund available so why not go for all of it and try and make a real difference for the town centre instead of what looks like some half a£&ed planning to try and appease some big contractors with lucrative contracts and make a quick fix to what is clearly a very long term problem While the plans may improve the look of the square, I'm not sure how this truly reinvigorates a town centre in need of investment. Bradshawgate and the surrounding shopping areas are the key area of Leigh that will attract new investment to the area if regenerated appropriately. Better pedestrian access to the town centre is irrelevant if there's nothing in the town centre worth going for.This is a fine proposal in principle but only if it encourages work for local businesses. More work for local people = more money to be spent locally in the town centre.The majority of these improvements sound like general upkeep and modernisation of an ageing facility, this should have been done over the years by reinvesting profits from the market not utilising a levelling up budget. Something akin to the re-development of Warrington market would be truly 'levelling up'. Leigh is in dire need of improved social spaces for people to enjoy. There are some excellent local food and drink business which would thrive if given an opportunity in a social eating environment (as shown in Warrington).I'm not sure how any of these suggestions amount to levelling up. While all the proposals would make improvements, they are largely irrelevant unless Leigh is a thriving local town that people enjoy visiting. This should be the focus of levelling up I have only lived in Leigh for 18 months, I love the facilities here and to make them more appealing would generate consumers from outside the borough, my mum loves coming to visit and walking around the market Leigh needs the full 20 million available to save our town. Leigh needs the full 20 million available to save our town. Our town is failing, we need more than this. It is not enough Leigh needs the full 20 million available to save our town. The rents are too high to be profitable for traders, we need to attract more traders and young people into the market. Fixing the roof isn’t enoughLeigh needs more than this, fixing a roof and making the shops look nicer isn’t enough. Our town is old and in desperate need of help and this plan is lacking. New bids need to be made as this one is half assed. Pointless unless there is a plan to make it attract people. What events will be there? Needs to be part of a wider town centre improvement for the whole town centre This food offer needs to be in partnership with a whole town centre offer to boost the night time economy in the townWhy are the council not bidding for the while 20 million available to the town!! This town is crumbling and needs the whole 20 million to be able to compete with neighbouring towns that are well ahead of the game due to having forward thinking councils Too many druggies spoiling it already God knows what they will do to new stuff.Hopefully attract people back to town, make sure the druggies and boxers have gone.Market stalls need cheaper rents, hopefully we can keep the traders we already have and attract new ones.Leigh is a fine town however it seems the police wont go into town centre or use CCTV, I'm thinking about kids on the roofs of high street properties. Nothing against refurbishing but this should come under maintenance. This isn't really levelling up. I dont see how this will help in levelling up and bring business to the town . Shouldn't Wigan Council be already improving the space with planters etc. This is nothing new that would attract business or Jobs.How will just improving shop fronts help retailers? There needs to be a more thorough and researched plan to regenerate our tow centre.Why is this not part of the ongoing investment that the Council should be making from the rents taken from stall holders? This plan is not bold enough for the development of our market Why are we only being given such a short time to comment on such an important proposal? Why was this plan put together behind closed doors? We want better for Leigh and want a plan that aims to ask for all the monies available. I do not want this plan to go forward as it is not what the people and businesses of Leigh want. Please listen to us. Putting new fronts on closed shops doesn't really fix anything, you are just wasting money to cover up a much bigger issue. I do enjoy the market, however, shouldnt this work have been carried out earlier, and not via a grant to "level up" leigh. This isn't new, this is maintainence. You have the chance at 20m in funding and you chose 10m and maintenance jobs. How miserable. No I think you've got everything coveredThis is what leigh needs spruce up make it look inviting and people will comeAnything to make it look inviting can't be a bad idea Leigh needs this regeneration and this fund will go a long way to achieve this Without an anchor building to draw people to the square, what would attract people to use it? Events can take place as it stands, but they do not. Improving the fabric of the square will not fix this problem. Narrowing the road but without removing the central barrier will not improve it’s connection to the town, there is no benefit to this narrowing. This project does not work in isolation, it does not generate any more interest, attraction or commerce in our town. The concept is sound, however it should be part of a bigger plan to regenerate our town and attract people to Leigh. It should be managed by local businesses to ensure local contractors and small businesses can be used to deliver it. The council's procurement process favours larger companies and it’s unlikely that local shopfitters would be able to participate in the scheme. The money spent on this scheme would leave our townThis is maintenance work that should have already been carried out by the council. The market has made over £10million revenue in it’s 20 year lifespan and this should have been reinvested back into the building. The levelling up fund is not intended to be used by the council to maintain its assets, it should be used to transform our town for the better. Spending money on the market in this way will only maintain the current status quo. This will not attract a substantial amount of new visitors and customers to our town or create new jobs Leigh has been given priority 1 status and there is £20million available. These projects amount to £10million. Why are we not bidding for the full amount available to us? The Levelling up fund’s purpose is to transform the UK economy by generating higher paid, higher skilled jobs and new investment. This proposal does not do that. This is a bid to keep Leigh as it is, there is nothing here that will create new jobs and investment. There are many projects available to the council that we have spent over a year developing, all of which are achievable in the next few years with a fund of £20million and these proposals would kick start the regeneration of our town Leigh is in desprate need of regeneration. Leigh needs to be somewhere that people feel safe to shop or just vist. If I was not a resident of Leigh I know I would never try to shop or visit the town as there is nothing attractive about it. It needs to be somewhere where the people of Leigh are proud to say they live here. At the moment all opinions are that it's a dead town with no attractions.The market place should be the heart of any town, bringing in shoppers for all their need. It needs to be appealing rather than looking very tired and run down.Regeneration in Leigh town centre to myself and other resident in imperative. We feel that Leigh is always missing out on money that is very much needed and has been for many years. We need bigger and better well named stores in the town so as to get people back. Without an anchor building to draw people to the square, what would attract people to use it? 🙁 Events can take place as it stands, but they do not. Improving the fabric of the square will not fix this problem. 🙁 Narrowing the road but without removing the central barrier will not improve it’s connection to the town, there is no benefit to this narrowing. 🙁 This project does not work in isolation, it does not generate any more interest, attraction or commerce in our town. 🙁 This is not levelling up. The concept is sound, however it should be part of a bigger plan to regenerate our town and attract people to Leigh. 🙁 We believe that it should be managed by local businesses to ensure local contractors and small businesses can be used to deliver it. 🙁 The council's procurement process favours larger companies and it’s unlikely that local shopfitters would be able to participate in the scheme. 🙁 The money spent on this scheme would leave our town. This is maintenance work that should have already been carried out by the council. 🙁 The market has made over £10million revenue in it’s 20 year lifespan and this should have been reinvested back into the building. 🙁 The levelling up fund is not intended to be used by the council to maintain its assets, it should be used to transform our town for the better. 🙁 Spending money on the market in this way will only maintain the current status quo. 🙁 This will not attract a substantial amount of new visitors and customers to our town or create new jobs. Summary 🔴 🙁 Leigh has been given priority 1 status and there is £20million available. These projects amount to £10million. Why are we not bidding for the full amount available to us? 🙁 The Levelling up fund’s purpose is to transform the UK economy by generating higher paid, higher skilled jobs and new investment. This proposal does not do that. 🙁 This is a bid to keep Leigh as it is, there is nothing here that will create new jobs and investment. 🙁 There are many projects available to the council that we have spent over a year developing, all of which are achievable in the next few years with a fund of £20million and these proposals would kick start the regeneration of our town. 🟢 What's the alternative? 🟢 There are several alternative proposals backed up by months of research, evidence and examples of success. These proposals will create jobs and investment in our town and can be achieved with the full £20million investment - why should we settle for less? Leigh means business has them set out Some improvement but not enough. Not ambitious enough. We need the full £20 million Some improvement but not enough. Half of the shops are empty Largely cosmetic changes. Needs more Not ambitious enough. Only cosmetic changes. Needs full funding allocation It's not a luxury it's now a necessity that we find other forms of transport and walking / cycling is certainly high on the list.It's not an upgrade on shop fronts it's decent shops other than charity shops It's already had a substantial refurbishment and that has made things worse. We don't need modern upgrades we need an Altrincham model. A few planters and minor mods to the road in front of a carbuncle building can hardly be described as transforming the space. A charity shop is still a charity shop is still a charity shop. Nothing wrong with improving frontages but without attracting viable businesses in 5 more years they’ll look just as tatty. Some of this is good but using a fund for maintenance is clearly a fudge. Wigan council should already have maintenance of this facility budgeted for and not be applying for grants for it. Could damage the bid. Sorry for negative feedback but these proposals are completely unimpressive. Not at all thought out and I’d be surprised if you won funding for a project to… tidy up shop fronts, buy some planters and fix a food that should be budgeted for under your every day business. I’d go back to the drawing board and actually consult with people in the town. This is not levelling up. The proposals will not entice more people to Leigh.A lot of Leigh town centre shop fronts are a rotting mess. The way the outside of this building looks won't attract more customers to the market. It's quality and choice of goods that will attract people Money needs spending on Leigh town centre but this proposal needs a big rethink. Ask the people of Leigh what would improve our town. More cycle lanes. The cycles don't use the cycle lanes what we've got now so what's the point. Library needs a massive upgrade looks so ugly It's down to the owner of the building to upgrade the front of the building. Not the tax payer Could make the building more eco friendly. Pretty ***** really. 135 million to be spent in Wigan town centre and penny's being Leigh town centre. Not suitable for a town that could be so much more Look at shops illustrated on Bradshawgate, they are closed. The town needs a cafe culture to bring life to Bradshawgate and a thriving nightime economy. Just look at Atherton, Tyldesley & Culcheth, much nicer.Christ Almighty, have you actually been to Warrington Market recently !!Please, please listen to the people at Leigh Means Business and not our Councillors. Try to spend money outside of Wigan Town Center. Putting a few plants outside won’t draw people. Put in a bid for the extra £10 million and make plans for a better well equipped building.Encourage local contractors, make it compulsory that a percentage are local. The money needs to be put back into Leigh Use the money to provide cheaper market rates for traders. Stalls that have been there decades have left because of the cost. Don’t let the market die because of pure greed of the council. Bid for an extra £10 million Is this bid application called the bare minimum levelling up fund, because it really feels like it. More like levelling down. Covering Leigh in glitter won’t address real issues, places for youth, addressing homeless, the elderly, young families. Someone’s missed the point with the bid. The square has been used pre covid for events but the main road does cut the square off. The road needs to be safer but removing rhe central reservation would make it feel more connected to town. The proposed hub from leigh means business on the other side of the Road would help as well. Help to small businesses will keep people's local businesses going and encourage more footfall. Improving older buildings to keep the character of the town should be essential as this differentiates one place from another standard High Street anywhere. Leigh needs to have its own character. Warrington or Bolton Market have much more of a vibrant appeal and leigh could do as well. The current tenants should not be pushed/ priced out though. Public toilets should be included in the market and shopping centre. This is a huge drawback for visitors (especially with prams and wheelchairs). I used to choose the Trafford Centre over other shopping areas for this reason when my children were smaller. More thought is needed into where outdoor seating for bars/ cafes should go, side streets could be better used for this than the main street. 'Leigh means business' proposals should be added as they represent local busi eas owners with 'on the ground experience. Reducing road width will create more problems. There is already a problem with the bus Lane near the Church not enough room. Putting more cycle lanes will merely make the problem worse. The Doctors Nook car park has too much greenery NEVER CLEANED UP full of weeds and also round them outside areas. There is already a problem withLocal businesses improved by local businesses. Not out of town, keep the investment localI think the market should be refurbished but not at the expense of other investment to improve the town, and no necessarily from the levelling up fund. Make sure whoever does the job it is good quality unlike the paving on Bradshawgate. And again preferably giving the work to local people investing in our areaCould do better Without much else in this area I see it becoming a hang out for druggies.Using local contractors is a must! Don't see it bringing more people in to town without more inspiring projects This should be ongoing already not through this funding.You are using this funding scheme to maintain our neglected town. The areas you have highlighted should already have ongoing maintenance and this should be an opportunity to implement new and exciting projects for our town to make a difference and bring people back in to town. Leigh has been low on the priority list for a long time whilst Atherton has built itself up. We have nothing left of a town I have lived in all my life. It’s about time some investment went into it and created a future for our children. If something isn’t done about it soon there will be nothing left. Leigh town centre currently is a disgrace with nothing but charity shops and food places. It need investment for other companies to produce more work for our town too. It’s been a long time coming, we have a lovely market with great stalls that have been there for many years. It will be good to create a better working environment for them and their customers It's. no where near forward thinking enough, they could expand this space by incorporating the church & grounds into the plan. Street furniture is all very well but just more ammunition for vandals we need a permanent space which is vandal proof it's great to have planters & trees but again just temporary fixes, trees they need to be full grown trees placed professionally. Why even consider narrowing Leigh rd & market st. King St. this is a main rd due to the fact that our bye-pass is anything but. Project 1 needs more thought just not ambitious enough. ThisAgain papering over the cracks, the town centre has had a number of such makeovers over the years and nothing changes. Wigan have not spent enough money to improve the structure of the town centre so now we're in dire need of a complete makeover not a lick of paint here & there. We need something to bring people into the centre, better shops, better food & drink culture, safe public spaces, public conveniences, completely pedestrianised areas. Again too little to lateWhy does this need to be part of this levelling up bid ??? This should all be covered by a rolling plan of improvements funded by the profits Wigan council bring in from motorists parking charges & the rents of stall holders. This should not be a 1 off scheme.It's so disappointing that we know there is money available to improve our town yet there is nothing here in this levelling up bid that leads me to think the people of Leigh have been wholly involved so it's just not ambitious enough. It's not even a start. Get back to the drawing board & start engaging properly. This is a good idea as the majority of the shop fronts are in need of refurbishment. The empty shops should be made to be sorted out by the landlords, they are not going to be rented out or sold to anyone in the state they are currently in. We need to attract new businesses to the town centre. I think this is a bit pointless, I don’t think it would attract any new custom to the market & would cost a lot of money when it could be spent elsewhere. These proposals will do nothing to level up. An amazing opportunity for funding which you seem determined to waste. Does nothing for the towns regeneration and is a classic non local deciding someone they don’t care about’s future prosperity and pride The high st is in shocking state, it needs pride and vision to attractThis does nothing to attract investment by becoming a unique space If £20m is available why are we not applying for the full amount? We need an attraction to incentivise people to go to the centre!This is s council asset - use the profits you make to update it, but use this grant elsewhere in Leigh!We need the full £20m bid to REGENERATE our town, where is the nite live hub? Where is an iT hub? Listen to the suggestions of the people if this once(before Wigan council stopped investing in us) great Town, summarised we’ll in Leigh Means Business! For once Wigan, do something right for Leigh! This would be a great use of the Levelling Up Funding. It's a once in a generation chance, and we need the council to listen to what people want, and use the money wisely. Council bid appears to show their reluctance to make any significant improvements to this town, and will be a total waste of money. Is it possible they want to use their plans for political means? Do they want the plans to fail so they can use that against the Government at the next election, and criticise them for failing in their promises regarding Levelling Up? Be innovative This is really needed.We need to learn from other towns that have made these improvements The fund is being used to clean the area, something that is the councils responsibility. The fund should be used to regenerate the cultural and commercial heart of the town. What is new? What is different that the community can use? What drives more outside investment into the town. Because as a council you have under invested in Leigh you are seeking funds that should be used to drive the town forward to simply do the job you should have already done. Please refer to the plan of Leigh Means Business.Great idea, however encouraging use does not drive inward investment. Again refer to plans of LMB.You've said it, "without investment". Why have you not invested the rents that have been paid to you? You have in Wigan and Leigh pays more per outlet than Wigan. Again this is you seeking Government funding to do a job you should be doing. This is bringing nothing new to the town. New ideas for investment is how we level up. Again refer to LMB for the ideas that the town want to implement.Please speak to the community that you are purporting to represent and help. This means LMB. You have given the community 9 days to look at these plans, when you have had 18 months, why so secret? Do you want the community to see your plans? You can give your plans more time, so that you can come out for them to be properly reviewed and then listen to the community as to what they actually want. The way you have written this questionnaire is leading, you have only put the positive spin on your ideas, you have detailed no alternatives and you certainly do not say that you are only asking for half the available funds, why? This does little to increase the desirability to discover and enjoy the town square. There's little to reduce the through traffic into the town centre and makes Market Street uncross-able. This barrier to entry will not attract the numbers as illustrated. Additionally due to the current provision of amenities to the town centre, the centre of gravity for Leigh is located at Spinning Gate Shopping Centre. With no new attractions to create the required foot fall this entire project is meaningless. It is a monumental waste of public money and missed the point entirely. There's very to no natural security and thus will become an desirable place for people to use both in the day and night time. It will become a hot spot for Anti-Social Behaviour and crime. Whilst the scheme is good in principle it is not Levelling Up, this is basic town centre maintaince This is a council owned asset which has been generating profit for over 30 years. It is the councils responsibility to maintain their own asset rather than requesting public funds to do so. Additionally there's no provision for public realm improvements externally. Other successful market schemes such as warrington market, or even the proposal for Wigan Market has been a practise in good urban design. Unfortunately this won't make much of an impact. This is not Levelling Up for Leigh, this is maintaining the status-quo How will this make people come to leigh ? This should be with involvement of the business ownersThis is just general updating should be done anyway not with this fund There is more that could be done and should be done to utilise the £20m that is on offer no real substance in this bid 🙁 Without an anchor building to draw people to the square, what would attract people to use it? 🙁 Events can take place as it stands, but they do not. Improving the fabric of the square will not fix this problem. 🙁 Narrowing the road but without removing the central barrier will not improve it’s connection to the town, there is no benefit to this narrowing. 🙁 This project does not work in isolation, it does not generate any more interest, attraction or commerce in our town. 🙁 This is not levelling up.🙁 The concept is sound, however it should be part of a bigger plan to regenerate our town and attract people to Leigh. 🙁 It should be managed by local businesses to ensure local contractors and small businesses can be used to deliver it. 🙁 The council's procurement process favours larger companies and it’s unlikely that local shopfitters would be able to participate in the scheme. 🙁 The money spent on this scheme would leave our town.🙁 This is maintenance work that should have already been carried out by the council. 🙁 The market has made over £10million revenue in it’s 20 year lifespan and this should have been reinvested back into the building. 🙁 The levelling up fund is not intended to be used by the council to maintain its assets, it should be used to transform our town for the better. 🙁 Spending money on the market in this way will only maintain the current status quo. 🙁 This will not attract a substantial amount of new visitors and customers to our town or create new jobs.🙁 Leigh has been given priority 1 status and there is £20million available. These projects amount to £10million. Why are we not bidding for the full amount available to us? 🙁 The Levelling up fund’s purpose is to transform the UK economy by generating higher paid, higher skilled jobs and new investment. This proposal does not do that. 🙁 This is a bid to keep Leigh as it is, there is nothing here that will regenerate our town. 🙁 There are many projects available to the council, all of which are achievable in the next few years with a fund of £20million and these proposals would kick start the regeneration of our town.