atherton centreplan - wigan · 1.2 along with other town centres,atherton is subject to a number of...

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Martin Kimber Environmental Services DepartmentCivic Buildings, New Market Street, Wigan

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ATHERTONCENTREPLAN

CONTENTS

Page

List of Plans and Illustrations 5

List of Tables 7

Chapter 1 Introduction 13

Chapter 2 Current Position 17

Chapter 3 Vision and Strategic Objectives 23

Chapter 4 Achieving the Vision 27

Chapter 5 Urban Design Framework 35

Chapter 6 Detailed Proposals and Opportunities 39

Appendix 1 Statement of Consultations and Representation

Appendix 2 Glossary of Terms and Abbreviations

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LIST OF PLANS AND ILLUSTRATIONS

Page

Plan 1 The Locational Context 9

Plan 2 Centreplan Boundary and Sector Areas 11

Plan 3 Western Sector - Proposals and Opportunities 41

Plan 4 Central Sector - Proposals and Opportunities 43

Plan 5 Eastern Sector - Proposals and Opportunities 45

Plan 6 Market Street Illustration 51

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LIST OF TABLES

Page

Table 1 Development and Investment Opportunities 46

Table 2 Traffic Management and Car Parking 48

Table 3 Pedestrian and Cycle Movements 52

Table 4 Environmental Quality 54

Table 5 Crime Prevention and Security 56

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Manchester–SouthportRailway

West CoastMain Line

M6Motorway

M58Motorway

Wigan– LiverpoolRailway

West CoastMain Line

PlattBridge

Ashton-in-Makerfield

WIGAN

To Manchester

To Leigh

To Wigan

LEIGH

ST.HELENSSALFORD

M61MotorwayJunction

BOLTON

Hindley

Howe BridgeSports Centre

Leigh – BoltonQuality BusCorridor

ATHERTONTOWNCENTRE

Tyldesley

Golborne

A580East Lancs Road

Bridgewate

r Canal

Bridgewater CanalA5

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Plan 1

The Locational Context

Atherton BuildingsCommunities(SRB 5) Area.

Wigan Borough Boundary

Based on the Ordnance Survey Mapping with the permission of the Controller of her Majesty’s Stationery Office © Crown Copyright. Unauthorised reproduction infringes Crown Copyright and may lead to prosecution or civil proceedings.Wigan MBC Local Authority Licence No LA 067 422 2001

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WESTERNSECTOR

CENTRALSECTOR

EASTERNSECTOR

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Plan 2

Plan of Sector Areas

Based on the Ordnance Survey Mapping with the permission of the Controller of her Majesty’s Stationery Office © Crown Copyright. Unauthorised reproduction infringes Crown Copyright and may lead to prosecution or civil proceedings.Wigan MBC Local Authority Licence No LA 067 422 2001

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1.

Introduction

1.1 Atherton is one of the major town centres within the Wigan borough andprovides a focus for a range of commercial, leisure and civic activities. The area provides a valuable role acting as a district centre for local residents and also provides employment opportunities within its industrial, commercial,retail and leisure businesses.

1.2 Along with other town centres,Atherton is subject to a number of threats to its long term commercial vitality and viability, partly through recent out of town developments such as Middlebrook, Horwich and through competingretail centres.Atherton Centreplan sets out a plan of action to improve and regenerate the town centre area which forms part of a strategic policy to ensure that town centres throughout the borough are attractive, thriving and successful areas which are accessible to all.The Centreplan provides a vision which is shared by all partners and users of the town centre.

1.3 The Centreplan area extends beyond the town centre as defined within the Council’s Unitary Development Plan.This is to ensure that unattractive ‘Gateway’ sites can be identified for improvement and also that the future of important local areas such as Central Park and the Victoria Mill complex,Bolton Old Road can be considered in detail.

1.4 The plan takes full account of all relevant Government Guidance regarding town centres. In particular Planning Policy Guidance No.6 advises that town centre strategies and action plans should be prepared to encourage appropriate investment and to ensure that the centre meets the needs of all its users. In addition, Planning Policy Guidance No.13 stresses the need to reduce reliance on the private car and to ensure that a variety of uses are concentrated within town centre areas which are accessible to different modes of transport.The Greater Manchester Local Transport Plan 2001/02 - 2005/06 is also particularly relevant and a key element of this Strategy is to sustain the success of the regional centre and town centres and to regenerate these areas by making them more accessible.

1.5 Within the local area, the Atherton Centreplan forms a more detailed strategy for regeneration.The plan sits within the umbrella of the borough’s Community Plan which is aimed at promoting or improving the economic

social and environmental wellbeing of the area and contributing to the achievement of sustainable development. Close to the town centre area, the Hag Fold Community Mapping Team and Community Partnership have produced their own Community Plan which outlines their aspirations for thefuture.The Hag Fold Community Action Plan identifies the communities own priorities for the area which include creating better,safer footpath links from the estate into the town centre.

1.6 It is intended that the Centreplan be afforded the status of Supplementary Planning Guidance. Such guidance provides a more detailed basis for applying and interpreting the policies of the adopted Unitary Development Plan (UDP).This document lays down the Council’s land use policies and proposals for the whole Borough and is currently under review.The Centreplan proposals will be taken into account as a material consideration when planning applications are being assessed by the local authority.Where necessary, detailed development briefs will be prepared for significant sites toensure they are treated in a sympathetic manner.

1.7 The Centreplan will provide a framework for investment by the Council,the Government and other public sector agencies, property owners and developers. In particular it will help to ensure that funding obtained from the Single Regeneration Budget Round 5 (Atherton Building Communities) is spent in the most appropriate way and provides the maximum benefit tothe town centre.

1.8 Whilst the plan deals primarily with land use and transportation issues andphysical measures to improve the area it is also expected to provide a framework for future management of the town centre.

1.9 The plan is based on a partnership approach and has been developed in itscurrent draft form with input from a range of individuals and bodies who have a stake in the future of Atherton town centre.A partnership approach is vital in ensuring the successful regeneration of the town centre area.To be successful the Centreplan and its vision should be embraced by all partners.

1.10 In summary, the plan seeks to counter the threats posed to Atherton town

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1. INTRODUCTION

centre by surrounding larger shopping centres, out of town shopping,increased traffic congestion etc., by building on its strengths as an attractive,traditional market town very well placed to serve its local catchment.The plan proposals aim to provide a high quality environment where businesses can prosper and which residents can enjoy.

1.11 Town centres are dynamic areas which are changing constantly and the plan will ensure that these changes are managed and controlled and that they provide real improvements for local residents and visitors to the town.

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2.

Current Position

2.1 Within the Wigan borough,Atherton is the third largest centre in terms of the number of units within its defined retail core.The main shopping and commercial areas are grouped along Market Street and these areas are constrained to the north and south by traditional terraced housing.To the east of the retail core lies a mixed area of residential, industrial, cultural,educational and civic uses with some potential for development and physical improvements.To the south of the town centre Central Park provides an important recreational facility which requires continuing investment to increase its usage by all sectors of the population.

2.2 The Centreplan area comprises a site area of approximately 27.7ha and has an estimated resident population of 1600.

2.3 The main shopping street, Market Street, is characterised by narrow footpaths and high levels of through traffic which create a poor trading environment. A further factor which affects the commercial environment is the highnumber of solid steel roller shutters along Market Street which presents a dead frontage in the evening. Despite the above, the town centre contains anumber of attractive Victorian buildings housing a wide range of small independent shops and the Church of St John provides a prominent landmarkwithin the town centre.Whilst the centre primarily contains small independent shops, a larger Tesco store is situated on Crab Tree Lane and this store attracts additional visitors to the town with associated benefits to other local businesses.

2.4 Atherton town centre sits astride the Leigh-Bolton Quality Bus Corridor which is intended to increase bus usage, thereby reducing traffic congestion.Improvements along this corridor will also provide an opportunity to improve access to the centre and to undertake traffic management works which will reduce the high levels of unnecessary through traffic using Market Street. Detailed survey works have been carried out by the Greater Manchester Transportation Unit to look at the various options for the routing of traffic around the town centre. Following public consultation, a partial pedestrianisation scheme is to be introduced on a section of Market Street with associated traffic management works.

2.5 A number of indicators, commonly used in town centre health checks, have been considered to assess the current vitality of Atherton town centre.The details of these are set out below:-

2.6 i) Vacancy LevelsOut of a total of 187 ground floor units within the UDP defined town centre,a total of 28 vacancies were recorded during the 2001 survey.This representsa vacancy level of 15% which is slightly below the Boroughwide centre average of 16% but is broadly in line with the national average. However, the retail vacancy figure is still above what is desirable and a reduction in the level of vacancies would increase economic activity within the centre.

2.7 (ii) Diversification of Uses/Town Centre ‘Offer’Within the town centre area, as defined in the UDP, retail uses falling within Class A1 of the Use Classes Order comprise 52% of ground floor uses.Financial and Professional Services occupy 10%. Food and Drinkestablishments comprise 16%, with sui generis retail uses taking up 2%.

2.8 As with other similar market towns within the Borough, the greater majorityof retail units are small scale (i.e. less than 1,000 sq ft sales area) with a smallnumber of exceptions, most notably the Tesco supermarket at Crab Tree Lane. The majority of the shops are independently owned rather than national or regional multiples.In total, retail uses occupy 89% of uses with the remaining floorspace occupied by dwellings and other leisure or community uses.

2.9 The main function of the central area is as a shopping centre.Within the wider Centreplan area a much greater diversification of land uses is found with extensive housing, civic, industrial and leisure uses.The high level of retail activity within the centre inevitably means that whilst the Market Streetarea is busy during the day, despite the presence of several public houses, it has lower levels of pedestrian activity during the evening. Greater diversification of uses within the area could potentially increase economic activity and the vitality of the area at all times.

2.10 The main civic buildings, the Town Hall, Library and the Formby Hall are

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2. CURRENT POSITION

located outside of the town centre core. In order to encourage linked trips to the town centre the pedestrian routes between these buildings and the shopping area require improvement.

2.11 (iii) Accessibility/ParkingIn terms of access by car and the provision of centrally located car parking,the town centre is currently well served. However, this direct access including the unrestricted use of Market Street, detracts from the environment for shoppers.Within the retail core a total of 423 designated car parking spaces are available,(Car Parking Survey - Wigan MBC) with a breakdown of these spaces being as follows:-

Local Authority Car Parks 139Privately Operated Car Parks 61Supermarket Car Park (Tesco) 166On-Street (Free) 30Private (Not Available for Public Use) 27 Total 423

2.12 A Residents’ Car Parking Survey has also been carried out by the Greater Manchester Transportation Unit (GMTU).The survey found that the residential areas surrounding the town centre do experience some parking by other town centre users, and in particular some local facilities such as thepublic baths at Mayfield Street experience problems at certain times due to lack of local parking.

2.13 Access to the town centre by bus has been the subject of a separate study involving Wigan MBC, the Greater Manchester Passenger Transport Executiveand GMTU.The proposals which have been the subject of a separate consultation exercise include the provision of bus priority lanes, purposebuilt interchange facilities, improved passenger information and the provision of accessible, low emission buses.The town is well served by a range of frequent bus services which link Atherton to several nearby towns including Wigan, Leigh and Bolton.

2.14 Access to the town centre for pedestrians and cyclists is not ideal and a

number of potential improvements could be made.The town centre and adjacent areas do not have any designated safe pedestrian through routes or cycle tracks.In particular, pedestrian/cycling routes from the schools on Hamilton Street through Central Park and the town centre area to the Hag Fold Estates require strengthening.Within the Market Street area the proposed traffic management measures and floorspace works will improve accessibility for cyclists and pedestrians.Public parking areas for cyclists or motorcyclists are limited within the town centre area.

2.15 In terms of its proximity to the town centre, the existing Atherton Railway Station is poorly located (over 1/4 mile from the central area). Under theLeigh-Bolton Bus Corridor proposals improved interchange facilities betweenrail and bus are being provided at the station.

2.16 (iv) Crime/SecurityAs with other towns the prevention of crime is of paramount importance totown centre traders, businesses, residents and other users.A closed circuittelevision system is currently operational within the main shopping area and the major publicly owned car parks.This system is linked to the Council’s Central Watch monitoring station and is recorded 24 hours a day.There is scope for increased CCTV coverage within the plan area.

2.17 The Atherton Business Partnership hold regular meetings with local police officers to discuss issues and concerns.

2.18 Whilst the car parks at Alma Street/St John Street are extremely popular during the daytime, they are poorly lit and do suffer from some anti-social activity during the evenings. In addition, some of the residential areas adjacentto the town centre have also experienced some problems of crime.

2.19 (v) Environmental QualityA detailed environmental audit has been undertaken across the Centreplan Area to evaluate the overall quality and amenity of the area as well as to identify specific problems and opportunities.

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2.20 Generally, the area is heavily built up with a relatively small amount of vacant or unused land.The audit has, however, identified a number of key areas where environmental conditions could be significantly improved.These are summarised briefly below:

• poor quality ‘gateways’ to the town centre;

• up-grading of Central Park which is an under-used resource;

• provision of dropped kerbs to improve accessibility for all.

• proliferation of solid steel roller shutters along Market Street provides an unwelcoming appearance, particularly at night;

• high levels of traffic and excessive on-street parking provides a dangerous environment along Market Street;

• many buildings have suffered from a lack of investment and inappropriate alterations;

• pedestrian links to surrounding residential areas are not well defined and do not provide safe, well lit routes to the town centre.

2.21 (vi) Housing ConditionsThe Centreplan area includes several areas of residential properties adjacent to the town centre (approximately 760 households).The majority of these are owner occupied properties (approximately 65%) within terraced blocks.

2.22 The majority of the older private sector housing is in a reasonable state of repair and the Council’s Director of Environmental Health and Consumer Protection has not identified any serious problems within the area’s private stock.

2.23 Despite the areas identified as requiring improvement, the Atherton Centreplan area has a number of positive features which should be strengthened and enhanced. In particular:

• the historic church of St John the Baptist and the adjacent

Market Place provides a ‘focal point’ for the town;

• the presence of the Tesco supermarket draws additional visitors into the town centre as do other community facilities;

• Central Park provides a large amenity space which could be used more widely by the local community;

• the main shopping streets contain many smaller specialist,independent shops and restaurants which are concentrated within a relatively small area;

• the residential areas adjacent to the town centre provide a stock of low cost housing which is primarily in good condition and well located for public transport and the town centre.

2.24 The following sections of the plan identify proposals to build upon the identified strengths of Atherton and which will contribute to the continuing regeneration of the area.

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3.

Vision and

Strategic Objectives

3.1 The vision for the Atherton town centre which begins the new millennium isone of an attractive, thriving town which will build upon its identified strengths.It is envisaged that the town centre will continue to be largely based around small, friendly independent shops, but will gradually broaden itseconomic base.The centre will be attractive, friendly, vibrant, safe and accessible and a source of pride for local people.

3.2 This town centre will be managed by a partnership of public and private sector bodies, with all town centre users able to contribute positively on town centre issues.

This broad vision is translated into a number of Strategic Objectives:-

a) Broadening and strengthening the appeal of the town centre by introducing new uses which will attract all age ranges at varying times.

b) Improving accessibility to the town centre for all modes of transport, with particular emphasis on improving bus access and facilities, cycling and walking.

c) Up-grading the pedestrian environment within the retail core, and reducing the impacts of traffic.

d) Protecting and enhancing the quality of the townscape,character and appearance of the centre, including the historic Market Place area.

e) Creating a centre which people feel secure and comfortable in visiting.

f) Developing and delivering action through partnership.

3.3 The following chapters expand on what each of these means in practice, and sets out proposals to help achieve this vision.

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3. VISION AND STRATEGIC OBJECTIVES

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4.

Achieving the Vision

4.1 The following sections set out a clear strategy and a series of proposals andspecific projects which will help to achieve the common vision for Atherton town centre.The proposals within the plan are cross referenced with existingpolicies within the Unitary Development Plan.

A. STRENGTHENING AND BROADENING THE APPEAL OF THE TOWN CENTRE

4.2 Whilst the current range of largely small scale independent shops provides the main land use within the core shopping area, it is important to expand the existing range of uses to attract more people into the area and to ensurethat sites and buildings on the fringes of the main shopping area are fully utilised.

4.3 The Centreplan strategy must aim to consolidate the existing town centre and encourage a suitable range of activities which will create a centre which is busy at all times, including evenings.

4.4 Planning Proposals

A1. The Centreplan strategy will support the town centre, in preference to out of centre locations as the preferred location for retail, office,commercial, service, leisure civic, cultural and tourism uses. Residential uses will be encouraged in appropriate locations, providing the vitality and viability of the centre is maintained.

Cross Ref - UDP Policy TCS1.

A2. Although retailing will remain the primary activity in the town centre,a diversity of uses will be encouraged within the scope of existing policies in the Unitary Development Plan.A flexible approach to the location of particular uses will be maintained so as to achieve a vibrantmixture which will create life and activity throughout the day and the week.

Cross Ref. - UDP Policy TCS1c.

A3. The plan identifies sites which provide short and medium term opportunities for development. Some of these will be developed by

the private sector but, where appropriate, the Council will assist by site assembly, if necessary by compulsory purchase subject to available resources (See Plans 3-5).

Cross Ref. - UDP Policies TCS1c; H2A.

A4. Sites which may, in the longer term, provide opportunities for development have also been identified on Plans 3-5.These may be needed for their present purpose for the immediate future, but in the longer term have been identified for developments which would provide greater benefits to the town centre.

Cross Ref. - UDP Policies TCS1c; H2A.

A5. Plans 3-5 also shows buildings which are in need of investment and improvement. Some of these are listed as being of historic and architectural importance and represent an important resource to the town centre.The Council will, within the resources available,endeavour to provide assistance wherever it can and will encourage other agencies, such as English Heritage, to do likewise.

Cross Ref. - UDP Policy TCS1.

B. IMPROVING ACCESSIBILITY BY A VARIETY OF MODES OF TRANSPORT.

4.5 The viability of the town centre will be improved by providing better access by all forms of transport, and by ensuring that sufficient suitable parking is provided for cars and other vehicles.These objectives will be achieved in a number of ways:

• Improvement of bus facilities as part of the Leigh-Bolton Quality Bus Corridor, which will also provide a better interchange between buses and Atherton Rail Station.

• Provision of a network of safe routes which will encourage walking and cycling between the central area and surrounding residential areas.

• Carrying out traffic management works (including upgraded signage)

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4. ACHIEVING THE VISION

which will improve access to the town centre for visitors, whilst providing alternative routes for through traffic.

• Upgrading of existing car parks and the provision of new local car parks where possible.

4.6 A detailed public consultation exercise linked to the Leigh- Bolton Quality Bus Corridor proposals was undertaken in the Autumn of 1999. Following the consultation, a series of access improvements and improvement to the pedestrian environment have been put forward which are detailed on the 3 proposals maps later in the document. (Plans 3-5).

4.7 Planning and Transportation Proposals

B1. Bus and cycle priority measures will be introduced along the Leigh-Bolton Quality Bus Corridor to encourage bus and cycle usage and to improve access to the centre by these modes of transport.

Cross Ref. - UDP Policy T3.

B2. In connection with the above, a series of traffic management measures,including new signage, will be undertaken to improve general vehicular access to the town centre, whilst discouraging unnecessary through traffic.


B3. A network of ‘Safe Routes’ will be created to encourage walking and cycling into and around the plan area.


B4. Cycle parking provision will be included at appropriate car parks and within the main shopping area.


B5. Pedestrian links between the town centre and Atherton and Hag Fold Railway Station will be strengthened and improved.

Cross Ref. - UDP Policy T7.‘

B6. Pedestrian movements will be further improved by creating a ‘Pedestrian Priority’ Zone along the central section of Market Street.Within this area general traffic will be excluded during the main shopping hours. (10.30am -4.00pm Monday - Saturday).A 20mph zone is also to be introduced as part of the above scheme.

Cross Ref. - UDP Policies T7, TCS1, T7A.

B7. Additional car parking will be created at certain locations where existing on-street parking has a seriously detrimental affect on local residents and road safety. In addition, the existing public town centre car parks will be upgraded to ensure visitors feel welcome and safe.

Cross Ref. - UDP Policy T6A.

C UPGRADING THE PEDESTRIAN ENVIRONMENT WITHINTHE RETAIL CORE

4.8 The modifications to Mealhouse Lane to allow two way traffic will provide the opportunity to carry out works to improve the pedestrian environment within the main town centre shopping area. In other areas various measures can be taken to improve the quality of the environment

4.9 Planning and Related ProposalsC1. The quality of the pedestrian environment will be improved by:

• removing through traffic from Market Street, between Crab Tree Lane and Hampson Street between the hours of 10.30am-4.00pm Monday -Saturday;

• carrying out footpath widening and re-surfacing in connection with the above;

• reducing street clutter;• improving the quality of street furniture;• introducing public art in appropriate locations following public consultation;

• maintaining and improving existing landscaping and introducing newlandscaping;

• improving the quality and design of lighting installations.

Cross Ref. - UDP Policy EN1.

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D PROTECTING AND ENHANCING THE QUALITY OF THE TOWNSCAPE, CHARACTER AND APPEARANCE OF THE TOWN CENTRE

4.10 It is vital to protect, conserve and enhance the best of the town centre buildings, areas and spaces.These help to reinforce the historic character of the town centre and emphasise its development as a traditional small market town.

4.11 In addition, the general appearance and environmental quality of the town centre is of great importance in attracting visitors to the town centre and in attracting future investment.The effects of traffic within the town centre has had a detrimental effect on the quality of the environment, and proposals within the plan aim to improvethe situation by reducing levels of traffic and introducing high quality paving materials and street furniture.

4.12 Planning Proposals

D1. The character and quality of the Market Place Conservation Area will be preserved and enhanced both by the application of the relevant policies in the Unitary Development Plan, and the use of available funding from agencies such as English Heritage. (The Conservation Area boundary is shown on Plan 4).

Cross Ref. - UDP Policy EN8.

D2. Buildings listed as being of historic or architectural or historic importance and those identified as being of local importance will be protected.The primary aim will be to encourage appropriate uses within these buildings which will benefit the town centre and adjacent areas.

Cross Ref. - UDP Policy EN8B.

D3. Views of landmark buildings (as identified on Plans 3-5) will be protected.These buildings make significant contributions to the character and identity of the town centre and its skyline and both the

buildings and their settings will be enhanced when opportunities arise.

Cross Ref. - UDP Policy EN7E.

D4. Within the town centre area the use of solid metal roller shutters will be discouraged.The Council will encourage the use of appropriate alternatives such as removable grilles or colour coated, perforated shutters with concealed housing boxes.

Cross Ref. - UDP Policy EN7A.

D5. Good quality design in new development will be promoted through:• the preparation of an Urban Design Framework for the town

centre;

• the preparation of development briefs for key sites;

• design guidance for specific types of development such as shop

fronts, fencing types etc;

• the Development Control process.

Cross Ref. - UDP Policy EN7A.

E. IMPROVING THE SAFETY AND COMFORT OF THE AREA

4.13 The safety, comfort and well being of all users of the area is vital in maintaining a healthy and viable town centre.

4.14 In terms of improving community safety, a partnership approach is taken through the local Risk Management Group and through the established Atherton Business Partnership.These groups include representatives from the local community, the Police,Wigan Council and other town centre stakeholders.

4.15 Planned improvements to the town centre will attempt to create a safe,legible environment where pedestrian routes are well lit, clear and attractive,and also an environment which is accessible to people with disabilities and is parent and child friendly.

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4.16 Appropriate uses which attract people into the town centre during the evening, as well as the daytime will be encouraged to increase pedestrian activity and promote the feeling of safety. Programmes of activities organisedby the Town Centre Co-ordinator will also help to increase activity and promote a positive image of the town.

4.17 Planning and Related Proposals

E1. As part of the town centre enhancement works, improved levels of lighting will be introduced to improve both personal safety and building security

No relevant UDP Policy.

E2. The existing Closed Circuit Television System will be upgraded andcoverage extended where resources allow.


E3. Partnership Crime Reduction Schemes such as ‘Pubwatch’ will be operated within the town centre as appropriate.


E4. A programme of physical improvements to assist movement and mobility for people with disabilities will be carried out within and adjacent to the town centre.This will include the provision of blister paving, drop kerbs etc.,where appropriate.


E5. The needs of disabled people and others with particular access needs will continue to receive attention in the design of buildings and the provision of car parking.


E6. Improvements will be made to the security, layout and appearance of existing car parks within the town centre.


E7 Positive marketing and promotion of the town centre will be carried out through the Town Centre Co-ordinator, and will include programmes of entertainment to bring variety and interest to the centre.


F. DELIVERING ACTION THROUGH PARTNERSHIP

4.18 A healthy and viable town centre cannot be achieved without a successfulpartnership at the local level.At a boroughwide level the regeneration of the borough’s town centres is a key objective of both the Council and the WiganBorough Partnership.

4.19 Atherton is served by a Town Centre Co-ordinator, employed by the Wigan Borough Partnership who works closely with local businesses and the local authority on a wide range of issues.The Town Centre Co-ordinator acts as a bridge between the local traders, property owners and public agencies,including the Council and the Police.

4.20 The established Atherton Business Partnership meets on a regular basis to discuss a range of issues affecting the health of the town centre, whilst the local Risk Management Group also meets regularly to tackle issues of crime and community safety.

4.21 The major improvements proposed to Atherton town centre as part of the Leigh-Bolton Quality Bus Corridor have been developed through a partnership involving the Greater Manchester Passenger Transport Executive,the Council and Greater Manchester Police.These proposals have been the subject of two major public consultation exercises, most recently in July 2000.These consultations have shown strong public support for the principles of the scheme.

4.22 Priorities for the future should include the strengthening of the existing partnership structures within the town centre, potentially involving residents who live close to the main shopping area.

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atherton centreplan - wigan · 1.2 along with other town centres,atherton is subject to a number of...

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