Councillor: Leigh's lack of transport links needs solving

Wigan Council has backed a motion submitted by deputy leader and Leigh councillor Keith Cunliffe, urging action and calling for interim solutions such as rapid transport systems to be considered ahead of longer-term options like the Metrolink.

Councillor Cunliffe said: "I know as being part of the Mayoral Development Zone things are happening to see about transport improvement and a feasibility study at getting Metrolink into Leigh.

"I welcome that.

"But big infrastructure projects can take years.

"There are things that can be done in the interim period and that is what we would like to explore."

Wigan Council has backed a motion calling for improvements to Leigh's transport links (Image: Google Maps)

He described transport improvements as a “matter of urgency” for residents in and around Leigh, noting that long travel times to Manchester and other key areas are contributing to social exclusion and limiting opportunities for employment, education and mobility.

The motion was seconded by Councillor John Harding, who emphasised Wigan Council’s ongoing partnership with Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) to deliver better transport services.

Councillor Jenny Gregory, representing Lowton East, also called for the reinstatement of direct transport links from Leigh to Warrington to improve county cross-border connectivity.

Last year, Greater Manchester was allocated £2.5 billion by the government for transport upgrades across the region.

Plans include a new transport interchange in Leigh and potential Metrolink connections from Manchester.

Councillor Cunliffe, who represents Leigh Central and Higher Folds, highlighted the long journeys faced by residents during peak hours.

He said: "An hour into Manchester city centre. About one hour and 25 minutes to Media City.

"One hour and 40 minutes to Old Trafford. Two hours to Manchester Airport.

"These are places with opportunities for employment and education."

He added: "I welcome the fact there are proposals for infrastructure to improve connectivity, but we’ve heard examples this evening of where connectivity can be improved by switches to services.

"There are opportunities to do things differently, to have services running at night, to work with TfGM, to have improved links to Leigh Sports Village, for example, and other important sites.

"This motion is about asking TfGM and the new Mayor of Greater Manchester, with the Bee Network, to make a difference for people in Leigh."

The motion was approved following a vote by all elected members.