LEISURE activities, pedestrians and cyclists have been prioritised in new proposals for Leigh, the council says.

Wigan Council has launched a consultation to gauge local opinion on transforming the north-west section of Leigh town centre into an ‘active neighbourhood’, which prioritises the movement, health and safety of people over cars.

If taken forward, the changes will focus on the Atherleigh Way/Twist Lane/Leigh Road area giving locals space to walk, cycle, play and chat without the concern of through-traffic and rat-running.

The proposals are made possible thanks to the local authority securing external funding from the Mayor’s Challenge Fund as part of the city-region’s Bee Network plans.

Cllr Paul Prescott, cabinet member for planning, environmental services and transport at Wigan Council said: “Active or ‘low traffic’ neighbourhoods in their simplest form are about creating safe, attractive spaces for people to socialise or spend time in and for children to play.

“We know that rat-running poses issues and safety concerns within residential communities so as well as supporting our sustainable travel agenda, these changes will lead to improved road safety.”

Active neighbourhoods are achieved typically by using planters or bollards on some streets to make them easier to get around on foot, by wheelchair, with prams or by bike. Other options to prioritise residents over vehicles include reducing traffic at school drop off and pick up times.

They are being rolled out across Greater Manchester.

Although active neighbourhoods aim to discourage vehicular access, the local authority has stressed that residents’ cars as well as the emergency services will still be accommodated.

To submit views about the Leigh town centre active neighbourhood and to view a map of the area it will cover, visit bit.ly/3BYHP4D before November 15.