IN my last column I was talking about how Leigh’s Lantern Parade and Lights switch-on was fast approaching. Well, it has now arrived!

This weekend (Saturday, November 18) will see the free event in the town centre with the light parade supported by local dance and musical acts and funfairs.

Christmas markets will take place from 10am on Bradshawgate and from 11.30am on the Spinning Gate Shopping Centre car park with a stage show starting from 1pm.

The dazzling light parade itself will start its route from Spinning Gate at 5.30pm. Leigh Town Hall and Civic Square will then play host to the Frost Feast – a selection of local food traders accompanied by live music – from 6pm to 10pm.

In other news, our work to produce the borough’s Local Plan, setting out our ambitions for new homes, jobs and infrastructure, is well underway.

We have now reached the second consultation stage and are encouraging as many residents as possible to take part and leave feedback.

If you helped us by filling in the first consultation, or if you’re new to Planning for the Future 2040, please have your say.

Our final in-person consultation event takes place at the Golborne Parkside club on Wednesday, November 22 although the forms are available until Monday, December 18.

For more information, visit https://participate.wigan.gov.uk and search for Local Plan: Planning for the Future 2040.

Next week sees the Leigh Bike Library return at the new Youth Hub at Leigh Sports Village, on Monday, November 20.

The service allows you to loan bikes, helmets and other cycling equipment free of charge. It operates like a standard book library; just borrow a bike or other items for up to one month at a time.

It’s at the Youth Hub on the first Saturday of each month (9am - 12 noon), plus the first and third Mondays (5pm to 7pm).

At the Saturday sessions there’s also the chance to take advantage of the ‘Dr Bike’ service, providing free bike maintenance checks and basic repairs to help you keep your bikes on the road.

All the relevant information and details on how to sign up is available on the council website Wigan.gov.uk/LeighBikeLibrary.

Finally, I would like to pass on my thanks to everyone who participated and paid their respects last weekend for Remembrance Day.

It is always an important part of our calendar and the many services held across the borough, including at Leigh’s cenotaph, were impeccably observed.

We will continue to honour our fallen heroes and support our past and present members of the Armed Forces community.