The council has announced that its latest Renewal Area, the ninth so far, will be along Plank Lane. Over the next few years up to £750,000 will be spent on environmental and housing improvements.

The work will include resurfacing rear alleyways and giving blocks of homes a facelift through cleaning or rebuilding walls and replacing doors and windows.

The aim is to reverse decline in the area and improve economic, environmental, housing and social conditions in the area.

The work will also complement earlier improvements in the nearby Firs, Heathside and Marsh Field Renewal Areas along with he development of the former Bickershaw Colliery Site nearby, where approximately 650 new homes will be built along with opportunities for business and leisure activities.

Wigan Council's Private Sector Housing Manager, Anees Mank, explains: "The proposals were unanimously supported by the residents and ward members of the area at a consultation event held last December, with a recommendation for the environmental improvements to be carried out prior to the housing improvements.

"We will begin surveying and planning these works from April."
Welcoming the announcement, Cabinet champion for Neighbourhoods, Kevin Anderson, says: "This is great news for the people living in the area. We've been listening to what residents have been telling local ward members and these works will not only improve their homes, but will create a much better environment on the approach to the town's flagship housing and leisure development."