Wigan Pier has become the first visitor attraction in the country to achieve the Government's newly revised Charter Mark for quality service. Wigan Pier was amongst just 12 public sector organisations to pilot the revamped Charter Mark, which will become fully operational in January 2004.

The whole of the Wigan Pier Experience was assessed, including The Way We Were Heritage Centre, Museum of Memories, the Engine House, gardens, play area, canal basin and waterbus and car parking facilities. It was concluded that Wigan Pier 'adapts its service to meet the various needs of its customer. It makes full use of customer feedback and responds to it especially by making special provision for schools and groups of users with special needs. Its undoubted strength is its staff. They make a special effort and are committed to good customer service and giving value for money'.

Charter Mark is a Government initiative to assist public sector organisations to focus and improve their customer service. To achieve Charter Mark Wigan Pier had to demonstrate compliance with the following criteria:

• Set standards and perform well.
• Actively engage with customers, partners and staff.
• Be fair and accessible to everyone and promote choice.
• Continuously develop and improve.
• Use resources effectively and imaginatively.
• Contribute to improving opportunities and quality of life in the local community.

"Putting the customer first is the ethos behind Charter Mark and it is something everyone here at The Wigan Pier Experience consistently strives to do. Being the first visitor attraction in the country to be awarded the revised Charter Mark is confirmation to our customers that they will receive the best level of service possible", says Carole Tyldesley, Manager at The Wigan Pier Experience

The Wigan Pier Experience is open Monday to Thursday, 10am -5pm and Saturday & Sunday, 11am - 5pm. For information please contact the Booking & Information line on 01942 323 666 or visit
The Wigan Pier Experience website.

The Wigan Pier Experience is part of Wigan Leisure & Culture Trust.

Contact: Gillian Cailey, Marketing Communications Officer, Wigan Leisure & Culture Trust.
Tel. 01942 704812