IMPROVEMENT works in Leigh town centre are expected to be completed by the end of November – a month later than planned.

Wigan Council is investing £1 million in regenerating Bradshawgate, Albion Street, Gas Street, Bold Street and Silk Street and has installed block paving, modern seating, LED lighting and tree planters to create a more attractive environment for shoppers, visitors and businesses.

The council announced in June that the project would be finished by the end of last month but paving work on Albion Street still needs to be completed following the relocation of the Spindle feature to the junction with the street.

And scheduled work on Gas Street has not yet been started.

The council says it is common with major construction works for ‘some elements of post-completion minor works for finishing and snagging items’ and added that it is ‘confident these will all have been addressed by the end of the month’.

Emma Barton, assistant director for economy and regeneration at the council, said: “We fully appreciate the weeks leading up to Christmas are a particularly busy time for the town centre, and the works have been carefully planned to ensure there is no disruption to key events which start with the Remembrance Sunday parade at the weekend.

“The final section of works is a small section along Gas Street, and this is scheduled to commence after Santa’s parade next Saturday (November 18).

“Every effort has been made to ensure there is minimal impact on the Market Hall, which is very much open for business for the Christmas period.

“We would like to thank all traders and businesses for their patience and understanding during the works and we hope they will enjoy their new-look town centre.”

The work has seen outdoor market stalls relocated to a central location on Bradshawgate and lighting installed in trees which can change colour to reflect events or seasons.

The £1 million investment is part of the Believe in Leigh fund.

It will see the council invest a further £4 million on activities for young people in Leigh, more town centre regeneration works and improvements to Pennington Flash Country Park.