HALF term will be a big 'Deal' for residents in Tyldesley, Astley and Mosley Common as they are invited to take ownership of the areas in a week of action.

Volunteers and community groups will join forces with the council during half-term week to bring ‘The Deal in Action’ to the areas.

Held from Monday to Sunday, February 15 to 21, The Deal in Action will see residents encouraged to keep healthy by looking after themselves, as well as the streets in an effort to relieve pressure on the council so it can continue to deliver vital services.

The week will also highlight the great work that goes on in the community and spread the word for others to get involved.

There will be council teams in Tyldesley market square, with The Deal bus pulling up so residents can get information and advice about a whole range of local services and a balance bike track set up to keep youngsters entertained.

On Tuesday there will be a mass community litter pick led by local volunteers, starting from Elliot Street at 10.30am.

Wigan and Leigh Homes will be doing a ‘Tidy up Tuesday’ on the Shakerley estate and the council’s greenspaces team will be tidying up Astley Street Park.

There will be the chance for residents to bring up any issues in their areas directly with the leader of the council, Lord Peter Smith, and chief executive Donna Hall at a have your say session on Wednesday at Fred Longworth High School.

There will also be sessions at Tyldesley Library for people who have dementia and their carers.

By working directly with its 320,000 residents, through an informal contract called The Deal, the council believes that the way it works can be transformed and the demand on its services can be reduced, which will avoid stopping services altogether.

Lord Smith said: “Through The Deal we are completely transforming how we work as a council.

"By working with our residents we hope to increase their responsibility for their neighbourhoods and encourage more personal responsibility.

“We believe there will be long-term health benefits, both physical and mental, through residents being involved in their communities and engaged with services.”

For more information about what's going on during the week visit the council's Facebook and Twitter pages at facebook.com/wigancouncil and @WiganCouncil.