RESIDENTS asked to share their views on two of Leigh’s conservation areas and plans to preserve their special character.

Wigan Council has pledged to refresh its plans for historically significant locations as part of its Historic Environment Strategy.

Leigh’s town centre and Railway Road conservation areas are the subject of the first in a series of consultations.

Cllr Terry Halliwell, lead cabinet member for heritage and building conservation, said: “Conservation Areas are protected for their special character and appearance which is beneficial to preserve for the benefit of current and future generations.

"This means extra care is taken when designing, planning, and building in these locations. As part of these appraisals we are proposing some changes to the boundaries of the conservation areas, so it is important that people have the opportunity to understand why and comment on the proposals.”

Draft appraisals for these two areas are the focus of the consultations with an online survey available until Wednesday, December 22.

An in-person drop-in session will take place at Leigh Town Hall on Wednesday, November 17 (from 2pm to 4pm) plus an online meeting on December 3 (6pm to 7pm).

Cllr Halliwell added: “We are keen to help people understand and play an active role in protecting their historic environment and through consultations like this we hope to be able to preserve our heritage for the future.”

See wigan.gov.uk/Council/Consultations/Consultations.aspx

Details about how to access the online meeting will be shared via the council’s website and social media channels nearer the time.