A HISTORIC boundary stone dating back to 1857 is due to be reinstated in Leigh.

The stone, which once marked the old parish boundary between Pennington and Bedford, was discovered by a member of the public who spotted it lying on the ground during construction work in Ince last year.

Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) and Wigan Council have agreed to restore it back to Leigh next to the guided busway route.

The Leigh town centre scheme straddles the old parish boundary so a suitable spot has been found for it next to The Arches Car Park.

Leader of Wigan Council, Lord Peter Smith, said: “The discovery of this historic landmark heralds the start of an exciting year for Leigh, during which we will see the guided busway operating for the first time from an improved and welcoming town centre.

“The town centre improvement works will ensure busway services will be able to travel to and from the guided track with ease.

“By incorporating a piece of local heritage into the new town centre improvements we are able to meld the old with the new and mark the start of things to come.”

Leigh Soroptimists member Avis Freeman MBE, whose friend found the stone, passed on the news to Cllr Myra Whiteside, who started the process of getting the boundary stone reinstated.

Cllr Whiteside said: “I am so glad that the boundary stone will be resurrected for the residents of Leigh to enjoy.”

The main works in Leigh town centre started in July 2014 and will be completed in the coming weeks.

The work includes the introduction of new bus lanes, pedestrian crossings, junction upgrades and public realm improvements.