Ashton-in-Makerfield Community Forum

18/03/06. Local residents wishing to recycle articles should visit Wigan Freecycle. Open to members of Yahoo or those wishing to register, Wigan Freecycle contains details of goods offered and wanted in the Wigan area, and is part of a global network of sites fostering recycling.

19/01/06. Efforts to improve the woodland on Ashton Heath have met with mixed success. Over the past two winters volunteers have been coppicing the woodland and repairing damage to the trees and woodland floor. However, last year 20 hazel and 20 scarlet willow whips donated by Captain's Lane Centre were planted to regenerate the woodland, and despite efforts from volunteers the majority of these have failed. Some have been pulled up, and others trampled down. The willow seems to have lacked adequate moisture due to the nature of the soil. However, a small number of hazel whips continue to grow, and it is hoped that these can now survive.

18/01/06. Members of Ashton Heath Residents' Association are supporting a campaign to reduce dog fouling on Ashton Heath. The residents' group has committed almost 1,000 hours of work to improving this local amenity, but their efforts are being held back by the actions of a few inconsiderate dog owners. These vandals are allowing their pets to foul the heathland and pathways causing children and volunteers to risk being contaminated with dog faeces, and long-term damage being caused to the heath itself. The residents' group hopes to highlight the problems with dog fouling and secure funding from Ashton and Bryn Township Forum via the £10,000 gained from the 'Cleaner-Greener' initiative which AHRA helped secure, for dog bins to help remove the problem.

02/12/05. Following representations from Captain's Lane Centre Management Committee, Wigan Council have decided to turn down an application to build houses on the land behind the Centre.

01/12/05. Public footpaths to the east of Peter Street have been resurfaced.

30/11/05. Two people using the excuse of Bonfire Night to dump material on Ashton Heath have received warnings from Wigan MBC that fly tipping can result in fines of up to £20,000 or imprisonment for six months. The Council are aware that traders are taking the opportunity at this time of year to dump trade waste and thus avoid paying landfill charges, whilst despoiling the environment with sometimes hazardous waste. See the Environmental Agency site for further details.

27/10/05. Following the completion of work on the footpaths, the area of the heath between Mill Lane and Lincoln Drive paths is being treated with herbicide and scarified prior to the reseeding with heather, planned for November.

27/10/05. In the run-up to Bonfire Night incidents of fly-tipping on Ashton Heath have started. So far two cases have been reported on the Council's fly-tipping hotline, 01942-486597 and will be followed up.

26/10/05. A proposal to remove an area of land behind Blenheim Road from the green belt has been rejected in the Inspector's Report on the Public Local Inquiry into objections to the Draft Replacement Wigan Unitary Development Plan.

28/09/05. Just two days after rangers placed a four foot wood sculpture of an owl in the bird feeding station at the Three Sisters recreation area it has been stolen. The owl was sculptured at a Family Fun day in 2004 and has been in storage until last week when it was put into place on Friday. The sculpture stands four foot high and weighs about 70 lbs and would take two people to carry it from where it was placed. Vic Greenwood of the Friends of Three Sisters asks for anyone spotting the stolen item to give the rangers a call on 01942 720453 or send an e-mail to him at fots.tsra@blueyonder.co.uk.

14/09/05. The renewal of pathways on the heath has been completed today through the combined efforts of BTCV and Ashton Heath Residents' Association. To date over 750 volunteer hours have been invested in the heath in addition to the work of Greenspaces volunteers and litter pickers, and the results are now plain to show. The next phase will take place later in the year when areas of the heath will be reseeded with heather. In the meantime, AHRA volunteers will continue their heathland maintenance. For further information visit the Ashton Heath website.

11/09/05. Through the efforts of ASDA warehouse staff, considerable improvements have been made at Three Sisters Park. Fencing has been installed around the boardwalk at the education pond and surrounding area, and also at the bird feeding station, resulting in a more secure environment for wildlife and enhanced habitat for regeneration of trees and woodland plants. The staff were allocated to perform conservation tasks as part of a management project at the firm.

15/08/05. The Lombardy Poplars fringing Warrington Road and Violet Street in the grounds of St Thomas's Church have been felled. The trees were becoming diseased and presenting a hazard, but their disappearance alters the distinctive entry to Ashton from the south.

10/08/05. Funded by a grant obtained from an Environmental Trust by AHRA supported by BTCV, footpath work is to commence on Ashton Heath in the week beginning 15th August with the delivery of stone, and machinery will be on site from Monday 22nd. Signs will be erected to indicate paths on which work is being carried out and users of the heath are asked to act responsibly especially when bringing small children and dogs onto the heath. Work will be taking place Sunday to Friday each week, and will be completed by 18th September.
Volunteers are required to assist the work. Those interested in taking part or seeking further information should contact AHRA or phone 01942 712385.

04/08/05. Plans for housing on the site of the Chilwood factory have been approved.

31/07/05. With the assistance of BTCV, Ashton Heath Residents' Association has secured a grant of £15,000 from the Ibstock Cory Environmental Trust to allow further improvements to the heath. From August to September the path network will be relaid, then in November areas of the heath will be scarified and reseeded with the native heather, and saplings planted along the line of the boundary fencing. The work will be carried out by BTCV in conjunction with AHRA, and volunteers are required to assist with the project during the week and at weekends. Further details can be obtained from AHRA.

18/07/05. Members of Captain's Lane Management Committee recently called on 30 homes in the immediate area to gain residents' views on a proposal to build housing on the area behind Captain's Lane Centre. 25 responses were received selecting the following options:

Community Green Space 40%
Housing 24%
Youth sports facility 16%
No opinion 20%

The Committee has advised the Council of these and other views and will be meeting on August 1st to consider how options other than housing might be achieved. However, it is likely that the involvement of residents would be needed if such options were to make progress and the Centre therefore requires a local resident to attend the meeting to communicate with other residents.

08/06/05. Wigan Council are arranging the resurfacing of the tennis courts in Jubilee Park at a cost of £9,500.

02/06/05. The Family Fun Day at Three Sisters was well-attended, and featured green woodworking, chainsaw sculpture, willow working, orienteering, birds of prey, dog obedience training, canoeing, mini-beast hunts and badgemaking.

12/05/05. A bid by BTCV in partnership with Ashton Heath Residents' Association has succeeded in gaining a grant of £15,000 towards the work in restoring and maintaining Ashton Heath and woodland.

23/03/05. Proposals by a Hindley councillor to utilise the old BMX track at Three Sisters as a moto-cross area are arousing opposition from local residents and users of the country park. The topic is expected to be aired at a meeting of the Friends of Three Sisters to be held on Wednesday next at the Visitor Centre.

18/03/05. Captain's Lane Centre is continuing its support to the Ashton Heath Residents' Association by purchasing a quantity of hazel and willow saplings to improve the woodland and boundary at Ashton Heath. These will be planted by local residents next week.

17/03/05. A trial scheme to extend recycling within the Borough will mean that households in Ashton south of the town centre and the Alexandra Road estate will have green garden waste collected fortnightly with the paper collection. Special green wheelie bins are to be distributed free in order to help improve recycling rates and reduce landfill.

21/01/05. A planning application is being submitted for the residential development of the Chilwood site in Windsor Road to incorporate 99 dwellings. A letter and summary planning statement has been sent to local residents around the site. Site layouts are still being formulated and will not be complete until a community consultation process is finished.

31/12/04. Once again Xmas trees can be taken to Three Sisters Country Park for recycling.

10/12/04. Following a meeting between ward councillors and council officers, Simon Calderbank has lifted the suspension of voluntary work on Ashton Heath by the local residents' group. Councillors Carney and Daington state that they still wish to discuss aspects of the work with the group's officers.

30/11/04. Local MP Ian McCartney and the Chief Executive of United Utilities met Ashton residents affected by flooding to announce the building of a new sewer system on Bolton Road. This is the latest stage in a campaign started by the MP after the 2002 flooding in which United Utilities, the Environment Agency and Wigan Council co-operated in finding solutions to the problem. Work is expected to start next Spring.

21/11/04. Friends of Three Sisters together with Wigan Ranger Service and BTCV completed construction of an artificial island to replace the existing one at the eastern end of the lake.

14/11/04. A second task day planned by Ashton Heath Residents' Association had to be modified following moves by Councillor Walter Carney to stop the conservation work. Instead the volunteers spent over 40 hours clearing and disposing of a large amount of rubbish deposited on the heath around Bonfire Night.

03/10/04. Members of Ashton Heath Residents' Association assisted by Kath Godfrey of BTCV held their first Task Day on Ashton Heath. Working from 10.30 to 15.00 they removed willow and birch trees from two sections of the heath. All enjoyed their achievement and are enthusiastic to carry out another task day.

30/09/04. Ashton Heath Residents' Association met to review progress and plan the forthcoming Task Day. The group was now affiliated to BTCV and had secured public liability insurance with the assistance of Wigan MBC Street Scene.

29/09/04. The Friends of Three Sisters group celebrated their first anniversary tonight at Three Sisters Visitor Centre, and made plans for a further task day on October 17th.

07/06/04. Ashton Sewer Flooding Residents Forum is putting together a bid for funding to carry out a project on Millingford Brook. The project is intended to clear the area of litter and overgrowth, install community artwork and plant trees and shrubs.
As a first step, Nick Burdekin of People & Places and Hazel Lord, Mersey Basin Campaign Project Co-ordinator, are carrying out a survey of residents to determine their views on the condition of the brook and what improvements they would like to see.

26/05/04. Officers and members of Ashton Heath Residents' Association met Simon Calderbank from Wigan MBC and Kath Godfrey from Wigan and Bolton BTCV to discuss how best to manage and improve Ashton Heath.

26/05/04. The Friends of Three Sisters held their monthly meeting to discuss the arrangements for the forthcoming Family Funday.

08/05/04. Members of the Ashton and Bryn Township Forum and local volunteers took part in a Bryn clean-up as part of the Township programme of local litter picks.

11/03/04. The Environmental Agency has launched a new campaign to prevent local green spaces being blighted by fly tipping. The campaign features bus shelter and poster advertising encouraging members of the public to report incidents; and warning signs pointing out fly tipping is illegal and carries a maximum penalty of £20,000. A hotline has been set up on 0800 807060 to log incidents and allow the Agency to investigate and prosecute offenders.

22/02/04. A further extensive planting of trees has been carried out at Viridor Wood to the east of the West Coast railway line. The area can be accessed from Abram, Bamfurlong, or from the car park on Bolton Road at Bryn Gates.

15/02/04. A new footpath has been constructed to link the new Viridor Wood with the Three Sisters Recreation area. This allows people to park at the Viridor Wood car park and access the Three Sisters area without having to drive up Bryn Road and Lockett Road to the main entrance.

30/01/04. Residents in the vicinity of Ashton Heath have met to discuss forming a community association to restore Ashton Heath to its original heathland state. As a beginning a litter pick has been organised for Saturday, March 13th in conjunction with People & Places and Captain's Lane Community Centre.

29/01/04. Since January 20th it will be an offence for people aged 14 to 17 to carry an airgun or airgun ammunition in a public place or for an unsupervised person aged between 14 and 17 to fire an air weapon beyond the boundaries of private land on which they have permission to shoot. It will further become a crime to be in possession of a replica or imitation gun in a public place, without lawful authority. The law should have the effect of protecting pets and wildlife against cruelty - a local example being the shooting of water voles at Old George's Pond prior to its restoration.

Community Forum Reports

Township Forum Litter Pick

November 2003 Members of the Forum were asked to assist in a litter pick being carried out by the member organisations and ward councillors of the Ashton and Bryn Township Forum on December 6th.

06/11/03. With the support of Nick Burdekin of People & Places and Paul Dandy of the Street Scene initiative, the next phase of improvement of the Captain's Lane area will take place on Saturday November 29th. Several trees will be planted, the existing hawthorn hedge supplemented and bulbs planted. Once again, local residents are invited to participate and help improve their local environment.
The Centre has also featured in a 'Big Thank You' video demonstrating community initiatives around the Wigan Borough.

29/10/03. The second meeting of the support group took place, with Andy Ford, Senior Ranger, present. The following topics were discussed:

Access to Viridor Wood. Wigan Leisure and Culture Trust and Forest Enterprises were funding a footpath to link the wood with Three Sisters by a permissive right of way from the local farmer. Some visitors were using unauthorised routes.
Racetrack perimeter. The company did carry out litter picks but would respond to requests from the Friends when problems were identified.
Bin provision. A dog litter bin had been installed by the Visitor Centre. Other bins which were underused were being removed, and there was a need for public education regarding littering.
Signage. An orientation map, nature trail posts and fingerpost signs were being prepared.
Proposed planning applications. None had been identified.
Bird feeding stations. The existing station had been restored after vandalism during the summer, and was being serviced regularly. The Rangers were opposed to further stations being established due to cost and insufficient resources.
Country Park status. Three Sisters had been established and funded as a Recreation Area, and this was still its designation. Country park status was a separate initiative which was no longer in operation.
Youth issues. A survey of users had shown that the majority found the cost of rod licences was reasonable.
Raising public awareness. D McKendrick agreed to secure a domain name for the group and create a website. The content of the website and promotional material would be discussed at the next meeting.
Practical projects. S McKendrick spoke of the recent wildflower planting and suggested that the group undertake practical woodland management tasks to help maintain the site. Most of those present agreed they would like to take part. A Ford proposed that a schedule could be incorporated into the BTCV/Green Spaces programme for one Sunday a month and agreed to explore this with K Godfrey.

24/10/03. Captain's Lane Centre Management Committee has overseen further work to create a community park at the rear of the Centre. With the support of Wigan Street Scene Team and People and Places 40 tons of topsoil have been spread, and bulbs and grass seed planted. Further planned work will see trees planted, and the involvement of local residents is sought to create further enhancements to the area.

24/09/03. Users of the local Three Sisters Recreation Area met tonight to discuss setting up a group to represent the public on the promotion and use of the park. Hosted by the rangers at Three Sisters, the group agreed to continue to meet on an informal basis on the last Wednesday of each month to follow an agenda to make the best use of the Three Sisters for the community.

01/08/03. Wigan Council are considering a plan to allow collection of newspapers when wheelie bins are being emptied. Initially involving a third of the town's 150,000 households, the scheme would be rolled out to the rest of the Metro in two years if successful.

June 2003 D McKendrick had been asked by Nick Burdekin to undertake an environmental audit to help identify areas requiring attention. Following last month's meeting he had put up a poster in the Library asking for volunteers interested in undertaking practical environmental improvements.

19/07/03. The Rotary Club of Ashton with Haydock is blazing a trail in Ashton by adopting a stretch of Liverpool Road to keep it free of litter. Under the Council's People and Places programme, schools, businesses and voluntary organisations are invited to play a part in keeping areas of their local town clean, and the Rotary Club is the first participant.

May 2003 Following his attendance at the March Forum meeting, Nick Burdekin of 'People & Places' had written to give an update on current 'Street Scene' developments in the town:

Further pavement improvements are planned on Gerard Street (Bryn Street to Golden Lion Public House) and Wigan Road (Gerard Street to Bryn Street) in this new financial year.
He is exploring with local Councillors whether local Brighter Borough funds could be used in partnership with the Street Scene initiative in order to implement a wider ranging 'Urban in Bloom' scheme.
There is a possibility of a meeting to discuss a joint community project to clean up Millingford Brook.
He is looking to take up the suggestion of co-ordinating working patterns between the BEAT It! and Street Scene Volunteers Team to establish a rolling programme of improvements to areas of the town identified by the Forum as being in need of attention.

26/04/03 Members of Ashton Youth Council and the Probation Service worked with Captain's Lane Centre Committee and local volunteers to make further improvements to the grounds of the Centre on 'Keep Wigan Tidy' day. The new raised mound at the rear of the Centre has been grassed in preparation for the installation of benches for the use of local residents and young people.

10/04/03 Wigan Council has received a planning application for a new fishing lake on land adjacent to Park Brook Farm, near Bryn Hall on Bryn Gates Lane. The application has been submitted by Seago Environmental, and includes plans for 20 fishing pegs and 12 parking spaces with additional landscaping.

23/03/03 Members of BTCV and volunteers from the local community took part in tree, hedge and wildflower planting today at an open day for the creation of Viridor Wood at Bryn Gates. Richard Caink, a Gateshead chainsaw sculptor, demonstrated the new sculptures to be erected on the site, with two carved posts, a 'living frame', and benches, all accessed from the new car park on Bolton Road. With the new pathways in place on both sides of the road and hundreds of trees already planted, the wood is already proving popular with local walkers.

20/03/03 The restoration work on Mesnes Park being carried out by Wigan MBC and volunteers is currently concentrating on attempting to restore the waterfall feature. The original design of the park was carried out by James Pulham & Co,, landscape gardeners for many distinguished parks throughout England, but the business closed during the Second World War and all records were lost. A particular problem is the restoration of the water-driven pump to the waterfall, manufactured by Green & Carter, and current environmental work involves locating the pump and line of the water pipe to the waterfall.

February 2003. A further planting is scheduled to take place in the new Viridor Wood on Sunday, 23rd March when Red Rose Forest and Forestry Commission staff, BTCV and local volunteers will be planting over a kilometre of hedging and woodland wildflowers. An artist will be on site showing a sculpture designed specifically for the wood, and there will be guided walks around the site.
The Forum had secured funding from landfill tax via Nick Burdekin of People & Places for extending the footpath system in Skitters Wood.

03/12/02. Members of the Friends of Old George's Pond turned out on two Saturdays in November to plant 1,000 daffodil bulbs round the pond as part of the Street Scene initiative to brighten up the town. The Friends of Old George's Pond are also seeking to replace some of the original shrubs which were planted on the west side of the pond and have since died. Spokesperson Karren Jones said that she looked forward to supplying pictures of the pond in the spring when the bulbs are flowering.

October 2002. Members of the Forum joined Paul Dandy and BTCV on 19th October to begin the bulb planting. 3,000 bulbs were planted in the grassed area of Liverpool Road adjacent to the Catholic Club.Friends of Old George's Pond have agreed to plant several hundred bulbs around the pond, and a further 10,000 bulbs are to be planted next month at Bolton Road, Stubshaw Cross. Also, pupils of St Edmund Arrowsmith School are planting 1,000 bulbs at the front of the school.

September 2002. D McKendrick gave an update on the progress of the Environmental Group dealing with the Street Scene initiative. Areas for bulb-planting had been identified, and Paul Dandy was determining ownership of land prior to final selection of areas and a community event planned for Saturday 19th October. BTCV would also be tidying up selected areas in the week beginning 14th October.
Nick Burdekin had suggested a further project to improve Skitters Wood, and D McKendrick agreed to contact Margaret McGarry to ascertain local interest.

20/09/02 A sub-group of the Forum met P Dandy to discuss the Street Scene initiative, particularly the proposed 'Borough in Bloom' project. Possible areas on main routes into Ashton had been identified by the sub-group, and P Dandy agreed to determine ownership. BTCV would be working in the town during the week beginning 14th October to clear overgrown areas, and Forum members and local residents would be involved in planting bulbs in agreed areas on Saturday October 19th.

August 2002. Nick Burdekin of People & Places and Paul Dandy, Wigan MBC Street Scene Co-ordinator addressed the meeting to outline the intentions of the Street Scene initiative and discuss the results of the walkabout on the 12th of August. It was intended to hold further walkabouts, and to build up a strategy for improving the local streets. Ashton had been identified as a priority area for improvements, particular concern being dog fouling, litter, pavement condition and repair, and litter bins. Ideas for improving areas included neighbourhood groups taking responsibility for a particular area, and Ashton with Haydock Rotary had already offered to develop one such initiative. J Sudworth felt it would be helpful to progress if a small project group was formed to liaise with Nick and Paul. B Duffy, D McKendrick and A Root agreed to form the group to consider the Street Scene initiative and also to examine other environmental improvements such as bulb planting.

04/08/02 Local MP Ian McCartney officially opened the refurbished pavilion in Jubilee Park. The pavilion is intended to provide a base for local Rangers and police, and use by young people. The event was marked by an afternoon of events for young people: Punch & Judy, jugglers and archery, in addition to the new play facilities installed in the park. Youth Worker Pauline Gaster and a group of young people provided a barbecue. Displays in the pavilion highlighted the Wigan Green Spaces Programme, and further planned improvements to the park.
A central feature of the pavilion will be its base for a police surgery, accompanied by local councillors, on the last Tuesday of each month at 13.00 hrs.

July 2002. Cllr Ash said that there was currently a Metro initiative to create a 'Borough in Bloom' by encouraging the planting of bulbs at the entrance to townships. Local Councillors had agreed to sponsor a local project. Suggested sites in Ashton were Bolton Road, Stubshaw Cross, and Liverpool Road by the Scout Hut. Discussion took place on involving volunteers to achieve this.
Members of the Forum had met Nick Burdekin of People and Places and Paul Dandy, 'Street Scene' Co-ordinator to review litter control in the town. A 'walkabout' of the town would take place on 12th August to look at problems detracting from the appearance of the town's streets, such as litter, graffiti, lack of signs, and uneven paving.

15/07/02 Paul Dandy from Street Scene and Nick Burdekin of People and Places met Annette Root, Town Centre Manager and representatives of the Forum to discuss improvements to the local streets and green spaces. It was agreed that local residents be invited to join a 'walkabout' on Monday 12th August, meeting at the Library at 19.00 hrs, to view problems such as litter, paving, graffiti and street furniture, and consider means of effecting improvements through local voluntary action supported by Council initiatives.

21/5/02 After being closed for several years, the Visitors' Centre at Three Sisters Lake is to reopen shortly. New Senior Ranger Andy Ford hopes that the Centre will be popular with local people and encourage involvement with environmental projects throughout the town.

29/4/02 Local residents and other volunteers met to discuss the continuing plans for the wood. It was intended to build an access car park in the next few months, with work proceeding on footpaths and the pond during the summer.
It was agreed to hold a Fun Day on the site on July 26th, and the next meeting would be held on June 24th to discuss arrangements.

20/03/02 Lisa Foden, Community Officer for Red Rose Forest has outlined the timetable for development of the Viridor Wood site, in response to an enquiry on the Ashton Bulletin Board.
Footpaths and access control to the site will be installed from June - September. Over the same period the proposed ponds on the site will be dug. With two hectares of mixed broad-leaved trees planted last month, the remaining planting will be completed next winter between November and March.
Lisa can be contacted at the Forestry Commission, Risley Moss, Ordnance Avenue, Birchwood, Warrington, Cheshire, WA3 6QX or on 01925 859520 for further information.

First planting at Viridor Wood - John Ellis, Lisa Foden and local residents

23/2/02 The first phase of tree planting at Viridor Wood took place today with the support of local residents and their children, and members of the Community Forum Sue & David McKendrick and Harry Jones. Despite snow flurries, over 300 trees were planted in the field directly behind Moreton's Farm, many grown from seedlings by local people.

22/02/02. The Red Rose Forest site at Moreton's Farm, Bryn Gates is due to be planted with trees on Saturday, 23rd February. The Viridor Wood Support Group will be assisting on the day, and members of the public, particularly families, invited to join in. Free refreshments will be provided. The event will take place from 10.30 to 15.00, and marks the beginning of the development of the wood. Later plans include the creation of a wildlife pond, paths and wildlife meadows.
The Support Group will be meeting again at 19.00 on 13th May at Jolly Jacks, Bamfurlong to discuss progress.

8/3/02. Wigan Council is launching a brand new Street Scene Service aimed at making the Borough a more attractive place and ensuring that the streets are kept neat, tidy and well-maintained. The Council are doing their bit, and are asking the residents of the Borough to do their bit to improve the local environment.
   At the moment Wigan Council spends an enormous £2.3m every year on its Street Cleansing budget and has 53 men working daily to pick up tonnes of litter dropped every week. The Council's staff simply cannot keep up with the amounts of litter being dropped.
   Because of this Wigan Council has launched a promotional campaign - "Kick Litter Into Touch" - to highlight to everyone that from April 1st 2002, £50.00 on the spot fines (with a maximum fine of £1,000 for non- compliance) will be issued to anyone caught dropping litter.
   Wigan Reporter, Leigh Reporter and the Wigan Evening Post have teamed up with Wigan Council for this campaign, realising that this is one of the main concerns within the local community.   &nsbp;Recent research carried out by EnCams (formerly the Tidy Britain Group) found that 82% of people would welcome some sort of litter enforcement on the streets.
   EnCams are running their annual Spring Clean Campaign from Saturday 6th to Sunday 14th April and supplying free clean-up kits to local community groups. Contact EnCams on 612639 if you would like further information or wish to become involved. Kits are available throughout the year.

January 2002. Annette Root reported that she was in correspondence with the General Manager at Wetherspoons regarding their car park and the problems of litter and obstruction to pedestrians by vehicles being parked inconsiderately. She was also meeting Leisure Services to explore the possibility of improving the Library land adjacent to Wigan Road by grassing over.

December 2001. Following discussions with local residents and the Forum, Wigan Council in partnership with Groundwork Wigan & Chorley have set up a new pathway network in Skitters Wood. The new path runs through the centre of the wood and can be accessed via the Woodedge and Greyfriars entrances.

21/12/01 Wigan Leisure Services Department - Winter & Spring programme of outdoor activities, events and guided walks in the Ashton area:

Each Tuesday Environmental management with BTCV/Wigan & Leigh College. Ring John Ellis on 716700 for details.
Tuesday 8th January 2002, 13.30-15.00. Steps to Health. A steady 2- to 3-mile walk round the Three Sisters Recreation Area. Meet at the Visitor Centre. Booking essential and stout footwear is recommended. Call 720453 for further details.
Tuesday 8th January 10.00-15.15, Green Spaces Conservation Volunteers. Orrell Water Park. Clearing invasive species. Meet at the main car park. Telephone 605253 for further details.
Sunday 13th January 13.00-15.00. Mansions and Monkey Nuts. Jubilee Park. The rangers will show you how to keep our feathered friends in tiptop condition over the winter months, and teach skills in creating 'avian apartments' for the coming breeding season. Booking essential. Telephone 245369 for further details.
Tuesday 15th January 10.00-15.15, Green Spaces Conservation Volunteers. Orrell Water Park. Repairing stiles and constructing fencing. Meet at the main car park. Telephone 605253 for further details.
Tuesday 22nd January 10.00-15.15, Green Spaces Conservation Volunteers. Jubilee Park. Constructing a new path through the woodland area along the side of Jack Brook. Telephone 716700 for further details.
Sunday 27th January 10.00-15.15. Green Spaces Conservation Volunteers. Three Sisters. Coppicing and creation of wildlife habitats. Meet at rangers' office. Tel 716700 for further details.
Tuesday 29th January 10.00-15.15. Green Spaces Conservation Volunteers. Environmental improvements at Jubilee Park. Tel 716700 for further details.
Sunday 3rd February, 13.00-15.00.Kick Litter Into Touch. Jubilee Park. Telephone 828923 for further details.
Tuesday 5th February 10.00-15.15. Green Spaces Conservation Volunteers. Jubilee Park. Repairing footbridge over the Jack Brook and creating new footpaths. Tel 716700 for further details.
Tuesday 12th February 10.00-15.15. Green Spaces Conservation Volunteers. Pond improvements at Ley Rec, Astley. Tel 716700 for further details.

Sunday 17th February, 09.30-12.00

Tuesday 19th February 10.00-15.15. Green Spaces Conservation Volunteers. Lilford Woods. Constructing a stile and length of fencing to prevent motorcycle access. Tel 716700 for further details.
Sunday 24th February 10.00-15.15. Green Spaces Conservation Volunteers. Three Sisters. Tree and footpath clearance next to the bird hide. Tel 716700 for further details.
Tuesday 26th February 10.00-15.15. Green Spaces Conservation Volunteers. Firs Park, Leigh. Planting holly bushes. Tel 716700 for further details.
Tuesday 5th March 10.00-15.15. Green Spaces Conservation Volunteers. Orrell Water Park. Woodland management at the reserve end of the park. Tel 716700 for further details.
Tuesday 12th March 10.00-15.15. Green Spaces Conservation Volunteers. Orrell Water Park. Building bridge across stream and other environmental improvements. Tel 716700 for further details.
Sunday 17th March, 09.30-12.30. Three Sisters to Wigan Flashes and Back. A steady walk of approximately eight miles. Stout footwear required, and booking essential. Meet at the visitors' centre. Telephone 720453 for further details.
Tuesday 19th March 10.00-15.15. Green Spaces Conservation Volunteers. Orrell Water Park. Constructing two pond dipping platforms. Tel 716700 for further details.
Sunday 24th March, 10.00-15.15. Green Spaces Conservation Volunteers. Three Sisters. Pond clearance and cutting back willow. Telephone 716700 for further details.
Tuesday 26th March 10.00-15.15. Green Spaces Conservation Volunteers. Mesnes Park. Habitat management and creating nesting sites at the lake. Tel 716700 for further details.
Tuesday 2nd April, 10.00-15.15. Green Spaces Conservation Volunteers. Mesnes Park. Habitat management and creating nesting sites at the lake. Tel 716700 for further details.
Tuesday 9nd April, 10.00-15.15. Green Spaces Conservation Volunteers. Mesnes Park. Habitat management and creating nesting sites at the lake. Tel 716700 for further details.
Tuesday 16th April, 10.00-15.15. Green Spaces Conservation Volunteers. Mesnes Park. Habitat management and creating nesting sites at the lake. Tel 716700 for further details.
Saturday 20th April, 13.00-15.00. Bloomin' Baskets. Jubilee Park. Create your own colourful displays for the summer. Demonstrations are free. Bring your own container and tubs if you want to. Plants and baskets will be available for a fee. Booking essential. Meet at the gardeners' buildings. Telephone 245369 for further details.
Tuesday 23rd April, 10.00-15.15. Green Spaces Conservation Volunteers. Raynor Park, Hindley. Creating new footpaths. Tel 716700 for further details.
Sunday 28th April, 10.00-15.15. Green Spaces Conservation Volunteers. Three Sisters. Grassland and meadow management. Tel 716700 for further details.
Tuesday 30th April, 10.00-15.15. Green Spaces Conservation Volunteers. Raynor Park, Hindley. Environmental maintenance. Tel 716700 for further details.

A fuller list of activities in the Wigan Area are available from the Visitors Centre at Three Sisters.

07/12/01 A group of local residents met last night in the Caledonian to form a 'Friends of Old George's Pond' Group. Discussion took place on the best way to manage the pond as a community amenity, and the group will liaise with Wigan MBC and meet again on 31/1/02 at 20.00 in the Caledonian.

November 2001.. Forum members met Nick Burdekin and Margaret Dumican from People & Places, and Annette Root, Town Centre Co-ordinator, to discuss the forthcoming Wigan Anti-Litter Campaign.
   M Dumican outlined an Eco-programme in local schools involving local committees of children, teachers, governors, parents and residents, environmental audit, preparation of targets for environmental awareness, combatting litter and arranging re-cycling, ultimately leading to a Euro Green Flag Award for participating schools.
    The Wigan Litter Abatement campaign would run from February to April 2002, and she described several initiatives to involve the schools in promoting environmental awareness, including circulation of an environmental magazine with a poster competition run in conjunction with McDonalds; performances of plays in participating schools by "Splinter Group" to heighten awareness; design of a mosaic by primary school children; design of a sculpture by secondary school children; local surveys to identify litter problem areas in the town, run in liaison with the Forum.
    N Burdekin said the campaign would be publicised on Wish FM, and People & Places were also putting in a bid for a Wigan Environmental Team of volunteers to back up the Beat-It teams with local litter cleanups. The subject of insurance for volunteers was raised.
    The Forum's two particular priorities were the siting of a new litter bin at the junction of Heath Road and the patch of land behind Turnhill Drive, near the Gerard Centre car park; and the provision of anti-litter notices for display on lamposts in the town. N Burdekin said that 100 notices had already been ordered for Wigan, emphasising the £25 fine for dropping litter, and these would be distributed throughout the townships, and he would arrange for a new bin in the above location. Future provision of bins would be guided by the planned surveys of the town.
    Other subjects noted were the improvements to Skitters Wood, and the planned 'Street Scene' initiative examining the co-ordination of street furniture within Wigan.

November 2001.. A Root and D McKendrick had walked round the town centre to survey the litter problem and only one spot had been found untidy. A meeting would be taking place with Nick Burdekin on Thursday 29th to discuss the action plan, and it was agreed that a bin would be requested for Heath Road, and that the litter problem be further surveyed over the next few months to determine other possible sites for bins. A Root agreed to contact the Gerard Centre to determine ownership of the land adjacent to the car park.
Regarding the state of Wetherspoons' car park, the company had agreed to employ someone to clean the area for two hours twice a week. Floodlighting would also be installed, and the pavement at the front of the Sir Thomas Gerard repaired. The company was also considering what it could do to discourage inconsiderate parking at the access to the entry by the side of the pub.
Mrs McGarry said work was underway on the footpath in Skitters Wood. Other items discussed included the brightening up of the outside of the library by planting shrubs or bulbs.

October 2001. Discussion took place on a draft litter action plan to help keep the town clean. Members of the group agreed to survey the town before the next meeting to rank the worst spots with a view to recommending particular sites for additional bins.
The Treasurer reported that Nick Burdekin and John Ellis from Wigan & Leigh BTCV had been discussing proposals for the management of the ancient woodland in Skitters Wood. Work had begun on preparing the ground for the new Viridor Wood to the north of the A58 just past Riding Lane. Another community meeting will be held on November 12th to discuss progress.

September 2001. Further discussion took place on the vandalism problems in Skitters Wood and means of improving the area. Nick Burdekin agreed to examine possible People and Places funding for a project.
On the subject of litter, it was agreed that an action plan be prepared to move progress. N Burdikin, B Duffy and D McKendrick agreed to liaise via email to effect this.
Local police officers had been very active lately in combatting vandalism and rowdyism in the Captain's Lane area.

Tasks with Wigan & Leigh BTCV Group:
18/09/01 Widening footpaths at Three Sisters to allow access for maintenance.
11/09/01 Clearing willow from nature trail at Three Sisters to improve habitat for Speckled Brown butterfly and dragon flies.

11/09/01 Local residents are concerned about injury to swans on Old George's pond caused by discarded fishing lines and have approached local councillors to resolve the problem.

11/09/01 N Burdekin has organised a sponsored litter pick in Ashton. Ashton & Golborne Labour Party Branch have given support, and other individuals have been invited to contribute.

05/09/01 Wigan Leisure Services Department have produced a further programme of outdoor activities, events and guided walks. Local activities include:

Each Tuesday Environmental management with BTCV/Wigan & Leigh College. Ring John Ellis on 716700 for details.
Sunday 2nd September 09.00 hrs. RSPB Guided Walk. Discover the birds of the Wigan Flashes with members of the Wigan RSPB to give expert guidance. Meet at St James Church, Poolstock.
Tuesday 4th September and every Tuesday. Green Spaces. BTCV and Wigan Council Environmental Management have formed a partnership called Green Spaces Conservation Volunteers. If you care enough about your local environment to offer practical help in improving it, we will give you full training. You will be helping with projects such as woodland management, footpath improvements, pond creation and wildlife protection. For further details on times and pick-up points telephone 01942 716700.
Sunday 9th September. Fungal Fun Day. Meet at the lakeside car park, Three Sisters, and see how many different fungi the ranger can find in this fascinating three hours. Telephone 01695 625338 to find out more. BOOKING ESSENTIAL.
Tuesday 11th September 13.30-15.00. Steps to Health. A steady 2- to 3-mile walk through Pennington Flash Country Park. Meet at the Visitor Centre. Booking essential and stout footwear is recommended. Call 605253 for details.
Tuesday 18th September 13.30-15.00. Steps to Health. A steady canalside walk overlooking the Wigan Flashes. Meet at St James Church, Poolstock. Booking essential and stout footwear is recommended. Call 720253 for details.
Sunday 30th September 09.30 hrs. Steps to Health. A steady 3-hour walk from the Three Sisters to a saunter around the Wigan Flashes and back. Meet at the Visitor Centre. Booking essential and stout footwear is recommended.
Sunday 30th September. Feed the Birds. Meet at the rangers' office in Penningron Hall Park and learn how to keep your garden visitors happily fed during the harsh days of winter.
Sunday 7th October. Fungal Fun Day. Meet at the lakeside car park, Three Sisters, and see how many different fungi the ranger can find in this fascinating three hours. Telephone 01695 625338 to find out more. BOOKING ESSENTIAL.
Tuesday 9th October. Steps to Health. A steady 2- to 3-mile walk through Pennington Flash Country Park. Meet at the Visitor Centre. Booking essential and stout footwear is recommended. Call 605253 for details.
Tuesday 16th October. Steps to Health. A steady 2- to 3-mile walk around the Three Sisters. Meet at the Visitor Centre. Booking essential and stout footwear is recommended. Call 720253 for details.
Sunday 21st October. Winter Baskets. The rangers show you how to create colourful winter displays with this free demonstration. Plants and containers will be provided for a small fee but you can bring your own. Meet at the flower side of Jubilee Park. Telephone 828923 for details.
Sunday 21st October. Autumn Migrants. A guided tour of Pennington Flash Nature Reserve at this interesting time of year, looking at the bird life of this important habitat.
Tuesday 6th November. Steps to Health. A steady 2- to 3-mile walk through Pennington Flash Country Park. Meet at the Visitor Centre. Booking essential and stout footwear is recommended. Call 605253 for details.
Friday 9th November 13.00 hrs. Fungal Fun Day. Meet at the lakeside car park, Three Sisters, and see how many different fungi the ranger can find in this fascinating three hours. Telephone 01695 625338 to find out more.
Sunday 18th November 10.00-12.00 hrs. Make Your Own Bird or Bat Box. Come along and make a bird or bat box for your own garden or for use in the country park. Learn more about these animals' requirements and the importance of providing additional shelter. Meet at Pennington Flash Visitor Centre. Booking is essential. Telephone 605253 for details.
Sunday 25th November. Conservation Day. Help the rangers improve the habitat at Three Sisters for the benefit of wildlife. Bring stout footwear and wear old clothes. Booking is essential. Meet at the Visitor Centre. Telephone 720453 for details.
Tuesday 4th December. Steps to Health. A steady 2- to 3-mile walk through Pennington Flash Country Park. Meet at the Visitor Centre. Booking essential and stout footwear is recommended. Call 605253 for details.
Sunday 16th December. Hedge Laying. Get hands-on experience of this rural craft under expert guidance from Bolton Conservation Volunteers. Meet at Pennington Flash Visitor Centre and bring a packed lunch. Booking is essential. Telephone 605253 for details.
Sunday 23rd December. Conservation Day. Help the rangers improve the habitat at Three Sisters for the benefit of wildlife. Bring stout footwear and wear old clothes. Booking is essential. Meet at the Visitor Centre. Telephone 720453 for details.
Sunday 23rd December 13.00-15.00 hrs. Christmas Fun Day. Instead of the hassle of last minute shipping, relax and join the rangers in Pennington Hall Country Park for some festive fun. Booking is essential. Meet at the Visitor Centre. Telephone 606881 for details.

August 2001. Nick Burdikin and H Jones had met to examine the siting of litter bins within the town, but further progress depended upon funding. It was recognised that specific siting would need to be decided because of the cost of bins. In the interim, N Burdikin would be approached re the obtaining of anti-litter notices within the town. The Beat-It team had visited the town, but certain areas highlighted for attention (Lockett Road, Fairholme Avenue, Nicol Road) lay in Bryn Ward, and Cllr Ash agreed to review progress.
A Root agreed to speak to R Woodall from the Gerard Centre to enquire about the possibility of a litter bin to be sited near the recycling point on the Centre.

27/07/01 A team of workers from Wigan MBC are upgrading the footpath following the line of Captain's Lane between the Community Centre and Princess Road. The path is being widened and tarmacced as part of improvements to Ashton footpaths.

23/07/01 Ruth & Trevor Green, Ethel & Bill Glover, assisted by other Ashton residents and local councillors, dug over the patch of land at the side of the old CopyCats shop and planted shrubs and flowers to improve the appearance of the area.

July 2001. The working group had further discussions on the litter problem. Nick Burdikin from People and Places attended, and agreed to meet H Jones and D McKendrick to discuss additional litter bins in the town. Ideas from the group included sponsored bins, novelty bins to encourage use by children, and siting of bins both within the town centre and on the main routes out of the town. Nick Burdikin also offered to identify financial support for improvements within Skitters Wood.
   Cllr Ash reported that the Beat-It team would be in Ashton for the week 20-24 August and asked members to highlight particular areas of the town requiring attention.
   He also informed the meeting that now the Captain's Lane footpath had been cleared, youths had been racing motorbikes there, and the council was placing bollards at the entrances to prevent this.
   Cllr Bullen asked the meeting to note the efforts of members who had worked to improve the patch of land at the entrance to Wetherspoon's car park by clearing the weeds and planting flowers and shrubs.

June 2001. No topic group met. M McGarry told the general meeting that youths were causing much vandalism in Skitters Wood, digging up and damaging trees to create hummocks for cycling/motorcycling. She had been in touch with Kate Brewer from Wigan MBC, who was arranging some measures to combat this. The local police and schools were also being involved.

21/06/01 Over 150 people living round Bryn Gates and Bamfurlong attended the January meeting to look at plans for the new woodland. Forestry Commission staff and the Red Rose Forest Team discussed the plans and overall design with local people, revealing that the wood would also incorporate ponds, wetland areas and wildflower meadows.

Ideas from local people included:

More hedgerows, especially near the railway and canal. There was once a large hedge running along this section from Ashton to Platt Bridge. It was known as the "Double Hedge" because of its thickness;
A nature trail so people can learn more about trees and woodlands;
The planting of a hazel coppice to provide material for woodcrafts;
An adventure trail around the woodland for children to use;
Paths and gates should be pushchair and wheelchair friendly;
Benches and tables for picnics;
Information boards to tell what is happening in the woodland;
Lots of wildflowers, especially bluebells;
Lots of open space.

Local schools are involved with projects such as growing seedlings to plant in the wood. This summer, the ponds and paths will be created on the western side of the new woodland, bordering the Three Sisters. The eastern part of the wood bordering the railway is being investigated because of the poor condition and drainage of the soil. It is unlikely that paths and other features will not be put on this part of the woodland until next year. During the winter all community-grown trees will be planted on the west side of the wood alongside trees planted by the Forestry Commission. New information signs will soon be put up around the woodland. These will be regularly updated with information on community events and ongoing practical work.
Because of Foot and Mouth restrictions the wood is closed to public access at present. This has resulted in the spring event being cancelled, but there will be an event on Viridor Wood at the end of summer.

May 2001. The first meeting of the Environment group took place at the Forum. Areas identified for action comprised means of improving the visual appearance of the town - litter and graffiti, flower baskets and street furniture; and conservation of both wildlife and local heritage, Initial targets for the group were suggested as checking on the installation of flower baskets, siting of litter bins, and anti-litter signs.

09/05/01 Wigan Leisure Services Department have produced a further programme of outdoor activities, events and guided walks. Local activities include:

Sunday 13th May 13.30 hrs. On Your Bike. A gentle bike ride from Three Sisters to Wigan Flashes and back. All children to be accompanied by a responsible adult. BOOKING ESSENTIAL. Meet at Three Sisters Visitor Centre.
Tuesday 22nd May 13.30-15.00 hrs. Steps to Health. Join one of the rangers on a steady two to three mile walk through Pennington Flash Country Park. Stout footwear required. BOOKING ESSENTIAL - telephone 605253. Meet at Pennnington Flash Visitor Centre.
Monday 28th May 10.00-17.00 hrs. Environment Fair. Part of Environment Week, the Fair offers environmental and wildlife displays, countryside craft stalls and demonstrations, falconry displays, children's activities and entertainment, boat trips, etc. More details on 01942 605253. Pennington Flash.
Tuesday 29th May 13.00-15.00 hrs. Jesting at Jubilee. Mini-beast safari followed by children's fun and games. Jubilee Park, Ashton.
Wednesday 30th May 11.30 - 15.30 hrs. A Great Day Out. Family day with Punch and Judy shows, . children's pottery classes, and storytelling. Pennington Flash.
Friday, 1st June 11.00, 12.30 and 14.00 hrs. Canal Boat Trips. Round trips from Pennington Flash of approximately one and a half hours along the Leigh Branch of the Leeds and Liverpool Canal. BOOKING ESSENTIAL. Telephone 01942 605253.
Tuesday 5th June 14.00-15.30 hrs. Three Sisters Circular. Join one of the rangers on a steady two to three mile walk round the Three Sisters Recreation Area. Stout footwear required. Meet at Three Sisters Visitor Centre.
Sunday 10th June 13.00-15.00 hrs. Family Pond Dip. BOOKING ESSENTIAL - telephone 720453. Meet at Three Sisters Visitor Centre.
Sunday 17th June 13.00-15.30 hrs. A Floral Display. A walk around the Wigan Flashes area to look at the abundance and variety of flowers to be found. BOOKING ESSENTIAL - telephone 625338. Meet at St James Church, Poolstock Lane.
Sunday 22nd July 14.00-16.30 hrs. Brass in the Park. Selection of traditional brass band music. Jubilee Park, Ashton.
Sunday 5th August 13.30 - 15.30 hrs. Orienteering for Beginners. Learn the basics of navigation on a permanent course - instruction and maps provided. A responsible adult must accompany children. Families welcome. BOOKING ESSENTIAL - telephone 720453. Meet at Three Sisters Visitor Centre.
Sunday 12th August 14.00-16.30 hrs. Brass in the Park. Selection of traditional brass band music. Jubilee Park, Ashton.
Sunday 12th August 18.30-21.00 hrs. Dusk Watch. Join a ranger on a wander round Wigan Flashes area to see what birds and bats can be found at dusk. BOOKING ESSENTIAL - telephone 720453. Meet at St James Church, Poolstock Lane.
Tuesday 14th August 13.30-15.00 hrs. Steps to Health. Join one of the rangers on a steady two to three mile walk through Pennington Flash Country Park. Stout footwear required. BOOKING ESSENTIAL - telephone 605253. Meet at Pennnington Flash Visitor Centre.

10/04/01 Councillor Nigel Ash and Ian Sturzaker of Wigan Leisure Department led a meeting of Ashton residents to consider the future of the local parks. A number of concerns were raised, including litter, vandalism, underage drinking and noise, play facilities, and upgrading of the park shelter. After discussion, a committee was formed, comprising Chair Keith Beckett, Secretary Sue Coleman, and Treasurer Tony Siney. It was agreed that the Committee would include representation from mothers and toddlers, senior citizens, skateboarders, conservationists and local residents. The next meeting was scheduled for 19.00 hours on 1st May at Ashton Library.

07/04/01 Members of the Forum assisted a local church group in a litter pick in the town. Areas covered included Captain's Lane/Hilton Street by the Congregational Church, and Lockett Road.

March 2001. Harry Jones informed the meeting that a litter pick was taking place on Saturday, 7th April and invited suggestions for suitable sites and participation from Forum members.
Ian Winstanley circulated copies of a Wigan MBC consultative document "Feet First", designed to gain local views on the transport policy as it related to pedestrians.

15/02/01 Volunteers are clearing litter from the Heath. If you would like to assist then please email us.

January 2001. Councillor Nigel Ash asked members of the Forum to contact him to report areas of heavy littering for the Beat-It team to tackle next month, and to notify him of faulty street lighting.
Local residents attended a Viridor Wood Bonanza at Abram & Bryn Gates School on Sunday, 28th January. Wigan MBC Rangers and representatives of the Forestry Commission and Red Rose Forest led discussions and a guided walk of the site to gauge local views on how the wood should be created. Preparatory work will commence shortly, and the main planting will take place between November 2001 and April 2002. For further information, contact Tammy Smith at the Red Rose Forest Team on 0161 872 1660.

25/01/01. A further stage in the development of Viridor Wood will take place on Saturday 27th and Sunday 28th January from 11.00 to 15.00 hrs at Abram & Bryn Gates Primary School.
The event has been organised to allow local people to have a say in the design of the wood and tell the Red Rose Forest Team what they would like to see and do in the wood when developed. There will be guided walks every hour on the hour, meeting in the main playground of the school. During the walks, information about the land and its constraints will be available. Each walk will take approximately 30 minutes.
For further information, contact Tammy Smith at the Red Rose Forest Team on 0161 872 1660.

02/01/01 Wigan Leisure Services Department have produced a further programme of outdoor activities, events and guided walks. Events are taking place throughout the borough through to April, and local activities include:

Saturday 13th January 10.00 hrs. Winter Walk. Walk to see the wildlife of the Wigan Flashes. Meet at Poolstock Church.
Sunday 28th January 10.00 hrs. Finches and Thrushes. See the special birds of Wigan Flashes in winter. Meet at Poolstock Church.
Sunday 11th February 09.00 - 11.30 hrs. Winter Walk. Walk to see the wildlife of the Wigan Flashes. Meet at Poolstock Church.
Sunday 18th February 13.00 - 14.30 hrs. A Rangers' Ramble. Join one of the rangers on a ramble around the Three Sisters Recreation Area, looking at the local and natural history of the site. Meet at the Three Sisters Visitor Centre.
Sunday 11th March 13.00 hrs. Where is Spring? A walk to find the first signs of Spring. Meet at Poolstock Church.
Sunday 31st March 10.00 hrs. Spring Migrant Hunts. A walk to find the first sand martins and chiffchaffs of spring with Wigan Flashes Project Officer. Meet at Poolstock Church.
Sunday 15th April 14.00 - 17.00 hrs. Natural History Walk. A walk with a ranger to look at the natural history aspects of the Wigan Flashes area. Meet at Poolstock Church.
Sunday 22nd April 09.30 - 12.30 hrs. Spring Migrants. A guided walk around the Wigan Flashes with the emphasis on bird migration through the area. Meet at Poolstock Church.

November 2000. John Sloane, Chief Planning Officer of Wigan MBC, addressed the meeting to discuss issues which had not been covered at September's meeting with Council Officers. He dealt with four areas: future plans for the town, further housing development, options for a ring road, and creation of a bus station. He said that the key to improving the town lay with resolving the traffic problem, especially the heavy lorries traversing the town centre to reach the Bryn Industrial Estate. Mr Sloane went on to stress the constraints on the Council, principally the lack of funding for road improvement programmes. Consequently, improvements to the road structure depended on the support of local developers wishing to establish shopping facilities in the town, and the main attraction to these was the establishment of a new supermarket. Discussions had taken place regarding possible developments which would link Liverpool Road to Wigan Road and bypass Bryn Street, and residents were aware of plans which had been prepared outlining various schemes. However, he stressed that no firm application had been made to the Council for any particular plan. If this should happen, then the normal planning process would ensure that all interested parties would be consulted. Should such a scheme go ahead, this would allow Gerard Street to become more pedestrian-friendly. Ashton was a popular town, and there was a demand for more shops by developers. The Council was happy to see the creation of further jobs and increase in local trade, if these could be combined with the improvement of the environment by the easing of the traffic problem.

18/11/00 BTCV in partnership with the Wildlife Trust for Lancashire, Manchester and North Merseyside are carrying out improvements to Wigan Flashes to enhance the area for recreation and education as well as improving the habitat. Neil Smith has been appointed as a Trainee Voluntary Assistant Warden to aid the day to day management of the Flashes. Volunteers are always welcome - contact Mark Champion on 01942 236137 if you would like to assist in the outdoor work.

October 2000. Annette Root said that the festive lighting had now been installed in Ashton and Bryn. She drew attention to the cost of installation (£8000+ this year) and the ongoing costs, which would be met from the Brighter Boroughs budget with the agreement of local Labour councillors.

08/10/00 the Parks (West) Ranger Service carried out a Community Bulb Planting Event at Jubilee Park in Ashton. The Rangers encouraged the local community to attend to help create a swathe of colour which will be enjoyed by all when the daffodils emerge in spring.

September 2000. Following correspondence with the MBC regarding proposed cycle routes within the town, a plan of proposed cycleways has been forwarded to the Authority.

August 2000. Street lighting in Garswood Street is to be upgraded and benches installed on the market place.
The tennis courts on Alexandra Park have been upgraded and members welcomed their use by young people. Councillor Nigel Ash was attempting to promote a "Friends of the Park" initiative to help maintain the facilities.
Action against dog owners allowing their pets to foul the streets would be introduced this autumn.

June 2000. Final arrangements are being made for the installation of Xmas lights at Bryn to complement the lighting in the centre of Ashton.
In response to approaches from the Forum, Wigan MBC were examining the possible location of seating in the town centre, and the Risk Management Group were studying the need for additional lighting at the lower end of Garswood Street.

May 2000. The Red Rose Forest Trust has bought Baldwins Farm at Bryn Gates and leased it to the Forestry Commission to allow the land to be developed as a woodland for local people to use and enjoy. A meeting is being held in June to discuss with local people the development and use of the forest.

02/4/00 Residents in the Lincoln Drive area have been invited to enter a garden competition which will be judged on Wednesday, 26th July. Certificates will be awarded for tidy gardens and trophies for the three best-kept gardens. For more details contact Ellen McGrane on 274578.

February 2000. It was agreed that volunteers would be out on the streets of Ashton to pick litter as part of Tidy Britain Week. Those wishing to support the initiative should meet at Captain's Lane Community Centre at 11.00am on Saturday 15th April.

January 2000. Concern was expressed about the amount of litter round the town, particularly in the car park at the rear of the Sir Thomas Gerard. The Secretary agreed to contact Wetherspoons to request that the area be improved.

November 1999. Members commented on the positive response given to the switching on of the festive lights in the town.

Arrangements are going ahead for the planting of the flower baskets for next year's summer display.

03/11/99 The footpath running from Millingford Grove to Old Road, adjacent to the Police Station, is to be closed temporarily for six weeks from 29/11/99 to allow the footbridge over Millingford Brook to be replaced.

July 1999. Wigan MBC have acquired the land owned by Baldwin's Farm, bounded by Three Sisters, Bolton Road and the West Coast rail line. Using funds from landfill tax, European, Forestry Commission and other sources, this will allow the addition of 70,000 trees to the Red Rose Community Forest, providing another green link in the chain of woodlands being created in the North West. Vice Chair of the Red Rose Community Forest Councillor John Hilton said, "The borough was all coal mines and cotton mills when the council was formed in 1973 and wasn't a very healthy place. But this thrilling scheme is part of a programme which will lay down a green lung from Orrell to the border of Salford for walking and cycling".

Work is underway to develop the rich bird habitat of Wigan Flashes, where the rich fish life attracts record numbers of seabirds such as Common Terns and Black Headed Gulls as well as smaller birds such as Reed Warblers and Reed Buntings. The site also supports many rare plants. BTCV have started work at Ochre Flash adjacent to Hawkley Hall School, where they are helping to design and build an Environmental and Education trail. The Wigan Flashes Conservation and Community Group are holding a meeting on September 2nd to welcome supporters and plan their future as a constituted organisation.

01/05/99 Local residents are being urged to help end illegal dumping of rubbish by noting details of the date, time, location and nature of the waste, and contacting a hotline on 0800 807060.

30/04/99 On May 30th and 31st a Woodlands Festival will be held at Pennington Flash. The event will include a wide range of wood crafts and is open to all.

April 1999. Among plans discussed for the Millennium year are the purchasing of Xmas lights for Gerard Street and the planting of a tree. Discussions are taking place with the Council regarding the feasibility and financing of proposals.

Sheena Crombie from Wigan Environmental Department has reported that the experimental reseeding of Ashton Heath with natural heathers is proving successful and the plots are being extended.

Proposals made earlier in the year by the Forum for the creation of location maps within Ashton are being considered by the MBC.

March 1999. The Forum discussed how best to utilise a new clean-up team created by Wigan MBC and suggestions for minimising litter within the town. Among the areas noted were the walkway between Turnhill Close and Heath Road, the car park between Millingford Brook and the Market area, Lockett Road Industrial Estate, and land adjacent to Bryn Station.

Work is underway near the junction between Princess Road and Peter Street on installing storm drains for Millingford Brook. This is part of a wider programme to improve the quality of the brook by diverting storm drain overflows.

28/2/99 The upgrading of the footpaths on Ashton Heath has now been completed.

08/02/99 As part of a Pond Life Project run by Liverpool John Moores University local volunteers are listing ponds in the area.

January 1999. Several members of the Forum met representatives of Wigan MBC to explore possibilities for improving local information for residents and visitors. Under consideration are town maps to be sited in several locations in the town. Areas suggested are the Gerard Centre Car Park and pedestrian walkway, Library and Town Hall.

Local residents on the new Manor Park estate have become involved in monitoring progress with the preservation and upgrading of Old George's Pond. The developers have dredged the pond, installed fishing pegs and a pond-dipping platform, and are landscaping the area to the west of the pond following the plans prepared by Wigan Environmental Department. The pond was under threat when the new estate was planned, but efforts by local residents, fishing enthusiasts and others meeting at the Cross Keys in Golborne Road ensured that this environmental asset was preserved.

November 1998. Wigan MBC have prepared plans for improvement of Ashton Heath. The footpath adjoining the field to the west of the heath is to be resurfaced and steps constructed at both ends. Repairs are to be done to the areas damaged by illegal digging and trees replaced.

August 1998. Areas of Ashton Heath have been reseeded with heather and rare grasses to preserve the nature of the site.

May 1998. The Group approached Councillor John Hilton regarding the improvement of alleyways within the town.

April 1998. As a result of the request from the Town Centre Group recycling facilities for clothing, bottles and paper have now been sited on the Gerard Centre car park.

April 1998. In conjunction with Teresa Jennings of People and Places members of the Group took part in a cleanup of Hilton Street Car Park and adjacent area. A skipful of rubbish was collected and plans are in hand to level the car park on the Poolthorpe site once ownership can be established.

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