Photo-a-Day  (Thursday, 15th December, 2016)

How sad.

bustling market scene

Christmas Lights, but hardly any stalls or customers. I find it a sad photo, despite the lights.

Thanks for the sequence of pictures David. This is just a thourougfare for me to the bus station and a nod to what was! It's not really a market in the true sense of the word sad to say.

Not surprised it isn't bustling, looks like packing up for home time.

Planners never get it...you change things...they die.

Given your Classical background, Helen of Troy, I would have thought you would have remembered Heraclitus saying, Panta Rhei - everything is in a state of flux. Nothing can stay the same - everything is constantly moving and changing.
Maybe the physical changes weren't handled as well as they might have been in Wigan - Bury Market seems to have done very well since it was rebuilt - or maybe the change was in the people, who have slowly stopped shopping in Wigan Market, whilst coach trips are got up to go from here to Bury.

Well said Rev

Its not just Wigan losing trade- Bolton has been in a 'state of flux' for years. The indoor market has been changed twice - the outdoor market has been ruined and the bus station is supposedly being re-arranged. One well known store has changed hands -and is now closing down. Internet shopping must take a lot of the blame for this ... And also the Trafford Centre. Personally I would much prefer to come to Wigan -and occasionally the Reebok. I find more people are coming to Wigan as opposed to Bolton which is so spread out. It's unfortunate that Morrisons closed though it was really handy to call into before catching the bus.

Bury market best around.

Sady I do not have such a classical background Rev Long !

I do realise that nothing stays the same forever & as you said yourself things are not always handled very well by...lets face it.....town planners.
Some are better at it than others, in Norwich, the market is in the same place as it has always been since the year dot in the heart of the city & other than a new covering, which is in keeping with the old one nothing has changed. The buildings surrounding it are in keeping and
that seems to be to be the well planned route, not change for sake of change, places must retain some of their history do you not think ?

In your opinion Gary, which mustrmake it the best as you cant possibly be wrong

It's the best in the North-West, Bury Market. Agree with you Gary and Rev David x

Hi Helen, can I ask. Are planning laws different in Wigan? Councils are obliged to submit any project for a 'public consultation'
whereupon , everyone can express their views on the said project. Furthermore, if the views of those against, outway those held but the council , then it goes to the courts where it can be challenged again if people feel passionate enough. Don't understand this town planners blame view idea. People change things. If enough people care to stop things , councils , governments have to listen or they themselves won't survive..