BICKERSHAW folk have finally got a place of their own.

The village residents' association now has a local base thanks to housing chiefs.

Association leader Carole Platt said: "This community base will mean that we can bring people together and create a stronger sense of community spirit. Only with the support of residents can we really improve Bickershaw."

The spacious office and meeting rooms in Beacon Road have been provided rent free by Wigan and Leigh Housing, who also gave the association a £500 grant towards their setting up costs.

Douglas Valley Partnership came up with a £3,500 grant and Ingersoll Rand donated all the office furniture.

Carole said: "A dynamic group of people are determined, with the support of local residents, to make Bickershaw a better place to live. Our next big schemes involve providing a community centre and redeveloping an existing park and a new community garden."