Calls for rugby league recognition and the borough marks Covid-19 anniversary

Calls for rugby league recognition and the borough marks Covid-19 anniversary

In the time since my last column there have been some significant dates in the council’s calendar.

Earlier this month we outlined our financial plans for 2025/26 and I’m pleased to highlight that once again we set a balanced budget with no cuts to services.

Our council tax rates remain the lowest across Greater Manchester and one of the lowest for a local authority of our size across the country.

It provides a defined blueprint for continued growth in line with our Progress with Unity priorities.

And I’m particularly pleased that our flagship Future Apprentices for Business (FAB) scheme is extended for a further 12 months.

FAB has already created dozens of opportunities for young people to start their careers with local businesses across the borough and there will be many more to come.

I should also highlight that our free weekend parking scheme for Leigh (and Wigan) town centres has also been extended for another year.

At the budget meeting I had the opportunity to highlight our support for a campaign that I think many of us across the borough will view as an important one.

In the 130 year history of rugby league, it is extremely disappointing that no representative of the sport has received a knighthood or damehood from the national honours system.

In recent years this has been brought to the fore by the outstanding charity efforts of Kevin Sinfield. But I also believe we have had some excellent local candidates in Alex Murphy and Billy Boston.

We will throw our support behind any efforts for the contribution of rugby league within our communities to be rightfully recognised in this way and I will be writing to the honours committee to voice these views.

Earlier this month we all came together to mark the Covid-19 Day of Reflection, with this year’s events marking five years since the start of the pandemic.

It was even more important for us here in Wigan Borough because it’s the first since our two local Places of Reflection have been open to the public.

Two ceremonies were held at these locations – in Lilford Park in Leigh and Wigan’s Mesnes Field – and we know many of you will have visited these sites over that weekend.

It is vital that we continue to remember the sacrifices made during that period and remember those who were affected, particularly those who are no longer with us.

If you have not visited our Places of Reflection, please do so. They are perfect spots to relax and reflect all year round.