BOOSTER blueprints for 21st century Leigh have been revealed following a survey of urban problems.

Research consultants Gerald Eve, commissioned by The Coalfield Challenge urban regeneration project, drew-up a 13-page document aimed at setting Leigh, Golborne and Platt Bridge en route to a brighter future.

The survey suggests Leigh's market town status could be developed to attract more visitors who would in turn spend more in town than the average shopper currently does.

Researchers say 158,000 people live in the Leigh catchment area and the town's growth potential will be affected by an 150 acre regional shopping centre under construction at Trafford Park.

They also feel the out of town retail park planned for Atherleigh Way will have an impact on trading in Leigh and, to a lesser extent, Golborne and Platt Bridge.

It may also hit retail development in Leigh town centre.

The key to survival, they say, is for Leigh to develop a special, traditional market town character to complement rather than compete head-on with out of town retail sites.

Recommendations include appointing a Town Centre Manager, employed by Wigan Business Partnership, easing town centre Traffic flow and making Leigh more visitor-friendly, with more parking spaces, a bus movement rethink, better pedestrian and cycle routes.

And town centre development strategy ought to be co-ordinated with the borough's overall regeneration schemes.

Leisure facility expansion could include an extended Turnpike Centre, arts and heritage centre, better use of the canal attractions, and a bigger Bedford Basin with leisure, housing and retail use.

The report's shopping survey highlighted a litter problem and a significant lack of national multiple retailers.

People questioned during the survey were unhappy with Bradshawgate's pedestrianised area and the report felt market car park users needed better links to the main street.

Better signs and an improved Ellesmere Street entrance are needed for Spinning gate Centre, and the type and range of market stalls need consideration.

Parking restrictions could hinder Railway Road trade and extra short stay parking was needed in that area. Traffic calming measures in Market Street and King Street and town centre heavy goods vehicle restrictions are other possible considerations.

Other improvement suggestions include better pedestrian crossings and town centre hanging baskets, trees and shrubs.

And in an ideal Leigh planners would take enforcement action against inappropriate shop fronts and roller shutter installation.

In Golborne recommendations include traffic calming and HGV restrictions, pedestrian crossing improvements, and a new, distinctive, market entrance.

Improvements are needed to maintain the Heath Street/High Street focal point plus shop front design control.

In Platt Bridge action should be taken to consolidate the centre with a retail core around Kwik Save, the Co-op Late Shop and the Walthew Lane area.

On Wednesday afternoon Leigh Business Partnership members revealed their own ideas for a better, brighter Leigh and discussed the best way ahead with local authority leaders.

Moves to upgrade the profile of market trade in Leigh have prompted Wigan recreation and amenities markets sub-committee to recommend putting an additional 16 outdoor stalls in pedestrianised Albion Street for a three months trial period.

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