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Makerfield MP Ian McCartney who some months ago called for
vision and courage to take the right decisions about the
redevelopment of Ashton Town Centre has announced plans for a
petition to ensure the people of Ashton help shape a new future for
their Town Centre.
Ian met with Steven Broomhead, Chief Executive North West
Development Agency (NWDA) to gain his support for the agency to
fund a feasibility study to identify genuine options for
improvement and change. The NWDA chief has pledged up to £50,000
towards such a study.
The MP has already obtained the support, in principle, of Wigan
Council, Ashton, Wigan & Leigh PCT, Greater Manchester
Ambulance Service, Greater Manchester Fire Service, Greater
Manchester Police, and Wigan & Leigh College to engage in a
comprehensive investment and regeneration strategy to public modern
public services in 21st century state of the art facilities.
Wigan Council are currently consulting local people on the Local
Development Framework, which sets out a vision for the borough over
the next twenty years.
Ian has already won the support of senior council officers and
council leader Lord Peter Smith, that Ashton Town Centre along with
Wigan & Leigh will have a priority for investment.
Ian said,"I have spent the last few months talking with
local people about what they want to see. The time for talking is
now over. We need action not words."
“The next few months are critical, the council will soon come to
decisions about future investment and we must ensure that Ashton
gets its fair share alongside Wigan and Leigh. We need a mix of
public and private sector investment and to get this we must have a
coherent plan. I am delighted that the NWDA are supporting this
initiative."
“It is now time to take Ashton Forward!”
Steven Broomhead said, “The Agency is delighted to support such
an important initiative. I welcome the opportunity to work with our
partners to bring forward a feasibility study which can provide a
blueprint for the regeneration of Ashton Town Centre, through
encouraging investment from the public and private sectors,
safeguarding and creating jobs and providing environmental
improvements.”
Cllr Nigel Ash (Ashton Ward) said, “Local residents are telling
me that Ashton town centre is crying out for a massive injection of
cash to improve the town centre. I am also a member of the Ashton
Economy Group which is constantly discussing the problems and
possible solutions to improve the town centre. We have to address
this issue when we are faced with increased competition from
neighbouring towns.”
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Ashton Forward