We'll have to pay after elections

To me, and no doubt to a lot of people from Leigh, it feels like Wigan Council has been eating all the pies over the years and leaving nothing but crumbs for the people of Leigh.

Recently I got the feeling that things were changing and we were going to get a share of the pies for a change.

Mr Burnham and his colleagues revealed that the government had given the council a £137 million grant to improve our housing and the council tax was being capped as well.

We also have had a promise of new facilities then I remembered about the coming elections and also I found out the so-called grant turns out to be a massive loan from the government.

Surely Mr Burnham and his cronies understand the difference between a grant and a loan. One sounds good, but the other has to be paid back.

I get the feeling the people of Leigh are going to be paying for their share of the pies themselves with increases forced on us to pay for it after the elections!

As for the Sports Village, I'm against the idea, but it doesn't mean I'm against the development of the new facilities planned.

The size and location of the development are the reasons I don't agree.

The present rugby stadium should be redeveloped. Between Hilton Park and neighbouring Leigh East there's plenty of room for a stadium and extra facilities to accommodate them both.

One benefit of this idea is that the area has coped with rugby matches for years.

Why not try to improve the sports fields that have been neglected, plus all the parks?

The land where the Village is planned could be used for the new college and a swimming pool, and country park extension providing Leigh people with what they want and need without environmental damage and disruption.

I suppose a railway station would be the only thing missing, but Wigan council have plans for a guided bus-way instead. The majority of Leigh would prefer a rail-link.

T. Hampson

Cecil Street

Leigh