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Wigan

Started by: linma (2911)

We went to Wigan yesterday which is always a pleasure for me but so sad 😭 walking down Mesnes Street to see so many shops closed. Sign of our times.

Started: 27th Jun 2019 at 06:38

Posted by: FAT MICK (inactive)

The smell of drugs get me when you walk past some people

Replied: 27th Jun 2019 at 06:58

Posted by: tomplum (12354) 

Fat Mick, they are not ALL druggies,drunks and cast outs, there are some genuine homeless people there who have fell in hard times, they all have different circumstances of how and why they end up on the street,
share your love fat mick, buy one a coffee, If he/she smiles and thanks you, you'll feel good, if he/she says looks ungrateful, then that's probably one of the 'pretenders', but you can never be sure, they are not all 100% mentally healthy,

Replied: 27th Jun 2019 at 09:26

Posted by: tonker (27835) 

From "Wigan is a pleasure", to mental health, via shops shut, drugs and homeless people? How bizarre!

Ironically, I also visited Wigan (well, almost Wigan, I went to Asda last night, late on!) and what struck me most is the number of foreigners who have rolled up recently.
There was all types in Asda, families of 'em! At the checkouts, foreign language was heard from all directions!!

Was it a co-incidence? I don't think so! It's all part of the 'hand-over'. It'll be homosexuals next!!!!

Replied: 27th Jun 2019 at 10:15

Posted by: FAT MICK (inactive)

Tom I do always share my sherbet lemons with the beggars, but Im on about the smelly druggie track suit bottoms wears Wiganers.

Replied: 27th Jun 2019 at 12:23

Posted by: priscus (inactive)

Genuinely homeless street sleepers will smell. So would you if you had a single set of clothing, in which you lived day and night, and had no facilities for washing or bathing!

Replied: 27th Jun 2019 at 12:35

Posted by: raymyjamie (6857)

Me and Mrs RMJ are off to Wigan this arvo, as has been said, always a pleasure.
We park on Bridgeman Terrace, £2-10 for 2 hours, I hate multi-story car parks.
It is sad to see so many shops closed, I have to say I am guilty of doing some shopping on t’internet, but try to buy from the High St when I can.
It’ll be sad when we lose M & S from the town centre.
There’s always a foreign looking guy playing the accordion on Standishgate, and an older guy playing Irish music near Makinson’s Arcade, gives the place a certain ‘atmosphere’.
The newly resurfaced Market Place is OK, but they have angled a lot of the paving very steeply, and old gits like me could topple over!!!!!! LOL.

Replied: 27th Jun 2019 at 13:25

Posted by: TerryW (inactive)

I have noticed when visiting Wilko's that the foreigners who sit drinking coffee outside of Cafe Nero's often smoke pot and don't seem to care, maybe they all have arthritis.

Replied: 27th Jun 2019 at 13:54

Posted by: nyce horse (3440)

Our accordian playing foreign friend had a right go at my Missus because she gave to a young lad, who she always gives to, and not to him.

"Why you not give to me? I play you music he doesn't"

I'm only sorry I wasn't with her, he would find it hard to play with broken fingers.
I suppose I could pee over him next time I go past.

Replied: 27th Jun 2019 at 21:04

Posted by: roylew (4016)

The new square is crap...the pavement will be so badly stained in a couple of months...the council just don’t think things out..

Replied: 27th Jun 2019 at 22:22

Posted by: jathbee (11463)

I agree Roy. The new square leaves a lot to be desired.

Replied: 28th Jun 2019 at 07:39

Posted by: PeterP (11223)

I wondered what had been gained by the new square? On asking around found out with the old lay out nothing could be seen behind the high wall Now it is opened up the drug dealers can be seen and picked up on the cameras and also the anti social behaviour is not has bad

Replied: 28th Jun 2019 at 09:45

Posted by: jathbee (11463)

I must walk around with my eyes closed. Never saw any of that behaviour. I'm not saying it didn't happen, I was just unaware of it. Must be me who is naive.

Replied: 28th Jun 2019 at 10:43

Posted by: cordyline (5350) 

Tonker -- quite right too !
We could take a lesson from PUTIN

Replied: 28th Jun 2019 at 11:45

Posted by: retep1949 (1184)

Wigan is being taken over but it is still yet the tip of the iceberg.

Replied: 28th Jun 2019 at 13:42

Posted by: aussie94 (2397)

I was back in Wigan almost 12 moths ago . My experience was not good . we parked behind the old drill hall , or behind the Dog íth thatch. My wife was born in Burnley but her family moved to Oz when she was 7. She was shocked by the decay every where carparks footpaths , shopping centres. I was saddened by the state of Wigan. Not hte town i grew up in and served my time at Walmselleys. We went into M & S , my wife enjoyed afternoon tea there . We left the old town feeling very empty.

Replied: 1st Jul 2019 at 06:43

Posted by: peter israel (2102) 

aussie94 i know that feeling my wife and i go back every year and i feel the same it feels to me that wigancouncil has given up!! i always end up on bury market

Replied: 1st Jul 2019 at 09:51

Posted by: basil brush (19583)

tbh, i don't think the funding, they have applied for, will make much difference.

Replied: 13th Jul 2019 at 11:13

Posted by: Tommy Two Stroke (15202)

aussie94

Doo yoo know that yoo run down Wigan more than wot Tonker does

Replied: 13th Jul 2019 at 13:39

Posted by: TerryW (inactive)

It's not surprising though is it Tommy, Wigan doesn't have much going for it these days it isn't a happy place to visit. Drunks and drug addicts sat about isn't what people want to see when out shopping.

Replied: 13th Jul 2019 at 14:15

Posted by: PeterP (11223)

Most towns and cities have the same problems. Empty shops, drunks and druggies and down and outs every where

Replied: 13th Jul 2019 at 15:24

Posted by: ann-spam (3470) 

This rain will keep drunks and druggies of the streets today

Replied: 19th Jul 2019 at 14:59

Posted by: linma (2911)

I can hear what you are all saying but Wigan is my home town and I love ❤️ it warts and all.

Replied: 19th Jul 2019 at 16:07

Posted by: aussie94 (2397)

I did not intend to run Wigan down. I made an observation as someone who grew up in a vibrant town. And visited a decaying semblance of what it was

Replied: 22nd Jul 2019 at 07:12

Posted by: linma (2911)

Aussie, I for one am not offended by anyone's comments.

Replied: 22nd Jul 2019 at 13:02

Posted by: aussie94 (2397)

Thanks linma , I love my birth place. So proud i grew up in Scholes , but it is not the proud working class town I remember. full of drunks and druggies

Replied: 23rd Jul 2019 at 08:19

Posted by: baker boy (15718)

who can we blame for all this long term decay,i know,mrs may, she gets the stick for everything else.
though i believe its down to serious misjudgements in closer to home places, its down to some other organisation,any guesses folks.

Replied: 24th Jul 2019 at 20:28

Posted by: tonker (27835) 

The only serious misjudgements, which can be blamed for the demise of Wigan, as a town centre, are the ones taken by the local population when they judged it 'better for them' to spend their money elsewhere!

Replied: 24th Jul 2019 at 22:28

Posted by: tomplum (12354) 

by the local population, do you mean the shopper ? if so the shopper does not spend there because,
1. morrisons was the last food shop, now its gone
2. traffic, its quicker to go elsewhere,
3, the market is in decline

All caused because of council decisions, The people's money will spend anywhere and the population are voting with their feet,
give the local population what the want, and they will gladly come back, this has been proven in other towns,

sit up and learn Wigan council,

Replied: 24th Jul 2019 at 22:42

Posted by: aussie94 (2397)

tomplum I agree with you, if you provide a safe ,pleasant environment, with shops that sell what people want to buy then bingo . Simple

Replied: 25th Jul 2019 at 09:45

Posted by: tonker (27835) 

Tomplum. -

1. Morrison’s was a relatively new addition to Wigan.

2. Yes, so they do, and there lies the problem.

3. The market is only shit due to shoppers going elsewhere. No business will open where there’s no shoppers and stiff competition!

Replied: 25th Jul 2019 at 13:31

Posted by: jouell (4705)

I've heard from different friends, that St Helens is rubbish too.Shame, as it at one time was a good place to go shopping...

Replied: 25th Jul 2019 at 13:48

Posted by: tonker (27835) 

What sort of shops would make Wigan a 'good place to shop' again?
What did there 'used to be' that there isn't now?

And, Tomplum, it's nothing to do with Wigan Council. They are in the business of running their designated area (t'borough, whilst it's one of a Wiganer's favourite words! ) on behalf of the government. They don't do retail. They have very little control on who opens what, where, what they sell and how much they charge for it.

Replied: 25th Jul 2019 at 16:32
Last edited by tonker: 25th Jul 2019 at 16:33:40

Posted by: Tommy Two Stroke (15202)

If yoo think what it is going to cost the Council, for the two Life Centres in Wigan, by way of the PFI thing, then to purchase The Galleries for £8 million is a bargain, they can use it for whatever they want to, they can move Council Depts into there if they so wish

Replied: 25th Jul 2019 at 17:18

Posted by: Tommy Two Stroke (15202)

And they now own Makinson Arcade too

Replied: 25th Jul 2019 at 17:19

Posted by: tomplum (12354) 

Tonker, It is EVERYTHING to do with the council, they oversee/make the regs/charge the rates/plan the roads, they are the management,the top cat,the big noise, the men in suits, the ambassadors of the ruling party, who make decisions that either make a town or break a town, and in this case the latter is happening,

Replied: 25th Jul 2019 at 17:50

Posted by: Stardelta (11829)

Did the council invent Amazon, Ebay, internet shopping and force all the supermarkets to do home deliveries?

And did they make all the banks and building societies force their customers to use online banking?

And do they force the punters to use retail parks and places like The Trafford Centre were everything is in one place?

Why do I need to get the bus/ car into town and waste my time walking around trying to find something to buy when I can order exactly what I want online and have it delivered to my house the next day?

That’s what’s killed town centre shopping off owd lad, nowt do wi council!



Replied: 25th Jul 2019 at 18:33

Posted by: Salmon & Ball (665) 

Spot on, Stardelta.
I always use my local town for shopping.
Even though it is sometimes easier to do things on line.
I like to think I am doing a little bit to support the local economy.
I will always continue to do so

Replied: 25th Jul 2019 at 18:57

Posted by: tomplum (12354) 

thats exactly what I'd expect a council puppet to say, We paid you wages to run our town down, then you blame on line shopping,
Many many people who are not too lazy to get off their arse like shopping, Many many people like to try clothes on before buying,
I like to get what I want and not wait for a courier to bring it, I bet you get fast food from a pizza shop and have it delivered too, hey sledge,

Replied: 25th Jul 2019 at 19:01

Posted by: Tommy Two Stroke (15202)

Replied: 25th Jul 2019 at 19:21

Posted by: Axcroft (236)

Wigan council has invested in a big chunk of retail space that the market wouldn't touch. Let's all hope that the council has the development know-how, entrepreneurial and commercial skills to make this a success!

Replied: 25th Jul 2019 at 19:38

Posted by: Stardelta (11829)

That’s what I admire about theeTom. I know I will always get a sensible, respectful, pertinent, sensible and well thought out answer every time.

All I can say is I see your words as a true reflection both of your intellect and mindset





Replied: 25th Jul 2019 at 21:01

Posted by: tomplum (12354) 

and all I can say about thee Sledge is, as my former employee i always found you quick to take your pay but slow to show any performance, Also quick to belittle a lesser educated person ( which some would call prejudiced ) and unfitting of a public servant, yet somehow you managed to live long and prospered on my contributions towards your unearned income and became the well known person you are today, Sledge of Wigan living 30 miles north east on a horse ranch,

yee haa

Replied: 25th Jul 2019 at 21:13

Posted by: Stardelta (11829)

But I am not sledge, we have been through this many times.

I invite you to prove otherwise

Replied: 25th Jul 2019 at 22:00

Posted by: tomplum (12354) 

the proof is here for all to see,
if you are not sledge, why make a fuss about it ? and why does it annoy you ?

case proved M'Lud

Replied: 25th Jul 2019 at 22:14

Posted by: Stardelta (11829)

It doesn’t annoy me in the slightest, quite the opposite in fact. All I see is someone DESPERATELY trying to find something to use against me and failing miserably, hence the amusement.

You keep it up, we all need a good laugh now and then.


BTW. Sledge has recently bought a property in Turkey, a place called Gocek. A little harbour town, popular with the yachting fraternity. Very affluent area, Boris Johnson has a place there too.

BTW......How’s things in Poolstock these days?

Replied: 25th Jul 2019 at 22:24

Posted by: Tommy Two Stroke (15202)

As a shopping centre The Galleries is basically deflunct, however I believe that the design of The Galleries, the aesthetic thing it has, The Galleries theme it has, which are that it is made up of Galleries, will be its salvation.

It doesn't have to be a shopping centre, I believe it can be anything else other than a shopping centre,,, the Council have started using it has an event centre, taking over from Haigh Hall, and it's proximity to Mesnes Park, the Mesnes Field, Wigan & Leigh College and the Yooth Zone, that area is known as the 'Northern Crescent' mean that part of Wigan Town Centre, could become a cultural and entertainment hub, and the assets I have just listed, the Council did not have ten years ago.

Lets hope the Council use those assets wisely

Replied: 25th Jul 2019 at 22:45

Posted by: aussie94 (2397)

Really reminds me of a roy Orbison song . In dreams

Replied: 26th Jul 2019 at 08:07

Posted by: tomplum (12354) 

I'm glad to hear Sledge is doing fine from the wages I paid you, sorry him,

Tonker will endorse the fact that i don't live in Poolstock,

Replied: 26th Jul 2019 at 10:15

Posted by: basil brush (19583)

There's nothing to draw me down to the town centre

Replied: 26th Jul 2019 at 10:22

Posted by: TerryW (inactive)

It's full of spice boys this morning one unconscious at the alleyway at the side of Hartleys, several other stood around with cans making a nuisance of themselves. Great place to go shopping with a family during the holidays.

Replied: 26th Jul 2019 at 11:45

Posted by: TerryW (inactive)

Posted by: Stardelta (6701)5,000+ Report abuse

But I am not sledge, we have been through this many times.

I invite you to prove otherwise


Yes you are! I also invite you to prove to me and the other members that I am any of the several names you believe me to be.

Back from the caravan I see.

Replied: 26th Jul 2019 at 11:52

Posted by: Axcroft (236)

Just ploughed my way through the Wigan Town Centre Strategic Regeneration Framework (56 pages) undertaken by consultants, Deloitte (HQ in New York), approved by Wigan Council 21 January 2019.

The report picks up on many of the WW posts, ie, internet shopping, that councils are the driving force, etc. Lots of grand ideas, plans and laudable aims. A good read, lots of spot-on detail and a complex set of problems faced by all towns. An extract below from David Molyneux Leader of the Council:

"Wigan Town Centre is by far the largest town centre in the borough for shopping, services and employment with over 120,000 square metres of retail floor space, over 300,000 visitors per week and supporting 10,000 jobs...........The purchase of The Galleries has meant that we have the opportunity to revitalise and redevelop Wigan Town Centre,...... In addition to this there is growing demand for more residential conversions and Wigan Town Centre has an abundance of buildings that could potentially be redeveloped to help drive forward new and original homes......This Strategic Regeneration Framework sets out our vision, plans and our ambitions to ensure the future sustainability of Wigan Town Centre"

Not sure about the 300,000 visitors per week though (suspect this is 10 visits by 30,000 people or some other permutation?). Also, "have we heard it all before" or as ausssie94 hints "in dreams".

We can expect more detail later in the year!!

Read the report here: https://www.wigan.gov.uk/Docs/PDF/Business/Economic-vision/Wigan-Town-Centre-Strategic-Regeneration-Framework-2019.pdf

Replied: 27th Jul 2019 at 23:20

Posted by: mindar (1334)

osted by: TerryW (1163)1,000+ Report abuse

Posted by: Stardelta (6701)5,000+ Report abuse

But I am not sledge, we have been through this many times.

I invite you to prove otherwise


Yes you are! I also invite you to prove to me and the other members that I am any of the several names you believe me to be.

Back from the caravan I see.

Replied: 26th Jul 2019 at 11:52

Yes come along. Stardelta/ steve gallagher prove it

Replied: 27th Jul 2019 at 23:57

Posted by: Tommy Two Stroke (15202)

Replied: 28th Jul 2019 at 01:15

Posted by: Anne (4384) 

Yesterday visited Boundary Mill stores, Colne. Not been for approximately two years. What a surprise! I was expecting more shrinkage as other retail stores are experiencing but not at all, busy, thriving, and much expansion. Many more well known labels than my last visit. I know it isn't the normal high street or retail park situation but why/how has it prospered so well in the light of so much gloom elsewhere. Maybe it's financial position would tell a different tale.

Replied: 28th Jul 2019 at 07:26
Last edited by Anne: 28th Jul 2019 at 07:28:44

 

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