EURO MP Terry Wynn is urging Leigh people to support the bold Sports Village bid for Pennington.

He is calling on residents to write to Wigan Council expressing their support for the £75m project which will give the town a new Sixth Form college, a 10,000 all-seater stadium for Leigh Centurions and Leigh RMI, an athletics track plus many other facilities.

Developers, Greenbank Partnerships, have submitted the four planning applications for the scheme which will soon be available in summary form for inspection.

Mr Wynn is keen that residents demonstrate their support by writing to the authority's planning department.

A former economic development committee chief at Wigan Metro and Leigh resident Mr Wynn said: "My experience as a councillor showed me on more than one occasion that people are quick to write when they are against something, but more reluctant when they wholeheartedly support something, believing they will leave it to others.

'This project is too important to Leigh to take that chance. There is no doubt that the project will bring real jobs to Leigh as well as making it a more attractive prospect for future investors.

If approved, work on the Sports Village could start next year and take two years to complete.