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Fields of dreams
Leigh Sports Village has taken another step in the right direction this
week.
Work has started on laying out six new pitches behind Howe Bridge sports
centre, in Atherton. They will replace the disused playing fields at
Leigh College's Marshall Street site that are set to become part of the
new development.
Council chiefs say the pitches, which were agreed as part of the
planning permission, mark an important early stage in the development of
the sports village.
Council leader Peter Smith said: "It's good to see this work start.
While the pitches are not part of the sports village site, the village
cannot be built without this work taking place, so it's another move in
the right direction."
The work is being managed for the council by Wigan Leisure and Culture
Trust, and today they asked residents not to be alarmed by the site
preparations, which involve creating some gaps in hedgerows and the loss
of a few trees.
A spokesman said: "There are strict planning controls protecting trees
and safeguarding of wildlife. We are happy to comply with both the
spirit and letter of these conditions. Specialists in measuring
environmental impact and our own staff are working with the contractor
to ensure an excellent development.
"Tree removal is being kept to a minimum and is aimed to be even less
than the numbers permitted by the planners. Most of the tree numbers
will be made up by planting new hedgerow species on the site."
The spokesman stressed that wildlife has special consideration through
the works period and the new landscape will include a wildlife corridor
and protected 'shelterbelt' to aid conservation.
Work on the main sports village site is expected to start early in the
new year.
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Note to editors
Further information: Wigan Council's press office, 01942 827164.
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