GOLBORNE residents have been offered a square deal. They are being consulted on plans to create a new town square on the site of former outhouses at the junction of High Street and Heath Street.

Wigan Council's planning department has set up a display in the library.

The site is currently a small sitting area, but planners and local councillors for Ashton-Golborne and Lightshaw wards have come up with ideas of how the area might be developed.

They are now seeking the views of local people.

It is hoped the new square will form a focal point with seating, paving and landscaping, and also have enough space for community activities.

Funding will come from landfill tax credits, the ward councillors' Brighter Budget and Coalfield Challenge.

In a joint statement, ward councillors said: "We are looking forward to receiving ideas from local people and will take them on board as far as possible. It is a high profile site and we do want to fully involve residents in its design."

The council is looking for additional sources of funding, and it is likely an initial scheme could be expanded in the future as money becomes available.

Residents are invited to view the display now in the library, and write with their ideas to The Borough Planning Officer (ref P/DB/32.52) Civic Buildings, New Market Street, Wigan, WN1 1RP.

Letters should be received by May 21. Alternatively, people can make suggestions to local councillors.

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