WIGAN Council says improvement works which are part of a £5 million investment in Leigh are halfway through and on track.

It is investing £1 million in the improvements to Bradshawgate and Albion Street in the town centre.

A further £4 million will pay for activities for young people in Leigh, further town centre regeneration works and improvements to Pennington Flash Country Park as part of the Believe in Leigh fund.

The ongoing town centre improvements will see new block paving, modern seating, LED lighting and tree planters create a more attractive space for shoppers, visitors and businesses.

The programme is being carried out in phases so that disruption is kept to a minimum and access for businesses is being maintained during normal business hours.

Cllr David Molyneux, cabinet member for regeneration, said: “It is great to see the regeneration of Leigh town centre is now more than halfway through and on schedule.

“We thank all businesses in Bradshawgate and the surrounding streets affected by the construction for their patience.

“We also thank shoppers and visitors for coping with the reduced pedestrian areas during the works.

“Once the regeneration is complete both businesses and shoppers will benefit from a much-improved environment which will increase the attractiveness of the town centre as a destination for shopping and leisure.

“This is one of the most high profile parts of Leigh and we want all of the borough’s major town centres to offer a high quality public realm environment."

As part of the development the outdoor market stalls will relocate to a central location on Bradshawgate with increased visibility and improved access to the stalls.

The council says this will give an improved profile to the outdoor market and create a better approach to the indoor market along Albion Street.

There will be new lighting in the trees which can change colour remotely to reflect events or seasons.

Michael Coyne, project manager for contractor idverde UK, said: “We are pleased with how the programme is going and appreciate the patience of businesses and shoppers during the disruption.

“We will be installing the street furniture and trees in the coming weeks so people will really start to see the improvements take shape.”

The project is currently in its second phase of paving work and installation of benches and trees on Bradshawgate between Bold Street and Silk Street.

The final phase of paving is between Albion Street and Gas Street.