A CAMPAIGN has been launched to oppose plans to split up the Leigh parliamentary constituency and see large parts of the town centre transferred to another seat.

Residents joined Leigh MP James Grundy at Spinning Gate Shopping Centre on Monday, July 19, in support of the Keep Leigh in Leigh campaign following the controversial plans put forward by the Boundary Commission.

Leigh Journal:

Mr Grundy and Joshua Yates

The Journal reported in June when Mr Grundy blasted proposals to split the town between the Makerfield seat and a proposed new 'Leigh South and Atherton' constituency.

Conservative MP Mr Grundy, who was elected to the seat in December 2019, welcomed a proposed "unification of Atherton" into a single constituency, with the town currently split between Leigh and Bolton West & Atherton.

However, he criticised other suggested amendments.

If they went ahead, the proposals would see Leigh West moved in the Ashton-in-Makerfield constituency and Astley Mosley Common ward would become part of Worsley and Eccles South constituency.

The proposed boundary changes relate to parliamentary constituencies and do not affect the make-up of the Wigan borough local authority area.

Ahead of the launch of the Keep Leigh in Leigh campaign, James Grundy said: “I am delighted with the support this has already generated from voters of all parties to keep our town united.

“The public has been as appalled as I was to see the new boundaries proposed, with Astley and Gin Pit Village split in half between Worsley and Leigh and large parts of Leigh town centre and Westleigh transferred to a Wigan-based constituency in exchange for Ashton.

“I believe the whole community will come together to help ‘Keep Leigh in Leigh’ and ask the Commission to think again about their plan to split our community apart, just like the last time this was proposed.”

Leigh Journal:

Mr Grundy with James Morley

Anyone who wants to sign an objection letter who did not attend the campaign launch on Monday can visit jamesgrundy.org.uk/KeepLeighInLeigh. All letters should be sent to the Boundary Commission by Monday, August 2.