LEIGH residents are being asked for their big ideas in return for a chance of seeing them turned into a reality.

Wigan Council has put aside £4 million from its 2017-18 budget to transform the town centre and is keen to hear residents' thoughts on how the money should be spent.

Whether they want the funding to be used on flowerbeds, artwork or an outdoor performance space or skate park, ideas will only be considered if it is deemed they would make a positive contribution to the town centre and be sustainable after the one-off payment.

Council leader Lord Peter Smith said: “We often hear Leigh residents saying that the council never listens to them.

"Well, we are listening and we do care about Leigh, which is why I wanted to secure this funding to help improve the area.

"As a Leigh resident myself I understand how important our town is, but rather than us telling you how we are going to spend the money we want you to tell us.

"We want to listen and we will.”

The council says it is also funding major improvements in the town, with £900,000 to be invested in the regeneration of Bradshawgate and the outdoor market and a further scheme to support small businesses set to launch this year.

This follows a £1.5 million investment to improve the football pitches at Leigh Sports Village and £775,000 to refurbish the gym as well as a £5,000 contribution to the Leigh Carnival.

Residents can submit their ideas for the £4 million funding by e-mailing thedeal@wigan.gov.uk with their name, address, age and suggestion.

They can also be submitted in person at Leigh Library.