Wigan Council has confirmed that a £2.4 million makeover to one of the borough’s most popular beauty spots is set to get underway.
According to the major plans for Pennington Flash Nature Reserve in Leigh, some of the new facilities that visitors will soon get to make the most of include a new café, which will offer a full view of the site’s large lake – known as the ‘flash’ – and an outdoor decking area.
There is also set to be a new toilet block and a visitor information centre.
Car parking facilities will also be improved with resurfacing, electric vehicle charging points, better lighting, and a new overflow car park.
Work will also begin on upgrading the footpaths around the car park, and putting eco-friendly features into the current buildings.
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Pennington Flash is getting a £2.4 million ‘makeover’ / Credit: Wikimedia Commons
Future plans for the site include a new natural play area.
Speaking ahead of the start of the makeover, Councillor Keith Cunliffe – Deputy Leader at Wigan Council – explained: “We know how popular Pennington Flash is with our residents and we’re delighted to see the plans taking shape.
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“This year is a big one for Leigh with the Euros and the Rugby League World Cup, and this project will provide top-class facilities to help more people enjoy the great green spaces our borough has to offer.”
💚 Pennington Flash makeover set to start
New facilities included in the major plans at Pennington Flash Nature Reserve in Leigh include a visitor centre and cafe.
He added: “These plans will help address some of the priority areas highlighted by residents during the Believe in Leigh survey and Big Listening Project.
“[It will] provide great facilities for all our residents to enjoy.”
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Work is due to start in March, with the project scheduled to be complete by the end of summer.
Featured Image – Wigan Council
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Peter Kay announces four intimate charity shows in Greater Manchester – but only for these postcodes
Emily Sergeant
Peter Kay has just announced four intimate shows to raise money for a very worthy cause… but you can only get tickets if you live in these particular postcodes.
Comedy legend Peter Kay is set to return home to the Bolton Albert Halls for four very special hometown shows in this summer, marking his first performances at the venue more than two decades.
Taking to the very stage where he recorded the UK’s biggest-selling stand-up DVD, it’s set to be a proper nostalgic homecoming for one of Britain’s most beloved comedians.
The summer shows – which are taking place from 9 – 11 July 2026, even including a matinee performance – this is a rare chance for local fans to be part of something incredibly special, with all funds raised going to Bolton Hospice.
But, there’s a bit of a catch… you’ll only be able to get tickets if you live in Bolton (and some parts of Bury), as it’s strictly limited to BL postcodes.
Peter Kay Live at the Bolton Albert Halls – 2026 Dates
Thursday 9 July (Evening)
Friday 10 July (Evening)
Saturday 11 July (Matinee)
Saturday 11 July (Evening)
Tickets officially go on sale Friday 24 April at 10am, and you can get your hands on them here.
Featured Image – Supplied
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Seven in 10 NHS workers think the health service is ‘poorly prepared’ for another pandemic
Emily Sergeant
A new survey has revealed that seven in 10 NHS workers believe the health service is ‘poorly prepared’ for another pandemic if one should arise.
After the recent meningitis B outbreak in Kent last month raised the conversation of mass contagion once again, of course following the COVID-19 pandemic, a new YouGov survey of more than 1,000 NHS workers has now uncovered how well prepared staff in the health service think it is for another global pandemic.
The results show that 69% of staff surveyed think the health service is ‘poorly prepared’ for another pandemic, and to make matters worse, 26% of those even say it’s ‘very poorly’ prepared.
Only one in five (22%) think the NHS is could properly handle another pandemic, but statistically, YouGov claims none of those surveyed said it’s ‘very well’ prepared.
Seven in 10 NHS workers think the health service is ‘poorly prepared’ for another pandemic / Credit: Pxhere | Rawpixel
When workers were asked how the NHS’s level of preparedness now compares to prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, 41% did concede that they think it is better prepared now than 2020, however 37% admitted they think it’s no better prepared.
16% actively think it’s less well-prepared now than it was prior to 2020.
This marked a new era of ‘transparency’ and ‘accountability’ in the NHS, with the league tables delivering on the Government’s promise to drive up standards, tackle variation in care, and ensure people get the high-quality service they rightly expect.
Every trust in England – from urgent and emergency care, through to elective operations and mental health services – will now be ranked quarterly against ‘clear and consistent’ standards.
Emily Sergeant -
31st January 2022 
