News Andy Burnham MP for Leigh

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18/11/2009 - A major boost for the regeneration of Leigh as major civil engineering work starts at Bickershaw South

The former pit site is owned by the North West Development Agency (NWDA) and the engineering works are being funded by the Government’s Homes and Communities Agency (HCA) under its National Coalfields Programme which is helping to breathe new life into derelict coalfield communities across England.

The works package will provide for the reclamation of derelict land within the site, diversion of the existing Plank Lane, provision of site road infrastructure, and construction of a 40 berth marina on the Leeds – Liverpool Canal.

Andy Burnham MP believes it will signal a local ‘jobs boost’ for Leigh. The Leigh MP and Ian McCartney MP met with the then Housing Minister, Margaret Beckett MP earlier this year and presented a robust case for work to restart on site.

Andy Burnham MP said, “I have always seen this development as a crucial step in the ongoing regeneration of the Leigh area. When I heard news of the delay at Bickershaw South I was very worried about the impact on the local economy and I urged the minister to release funds to ‘kick start’ work on site."

“We’ve waited for this moment a long time and it’s a real confidence boost for Leigh coming at exactly the right time."

“The government is committed to helping areas like ours get through the current difficult times and that’s why I made a special plea to the minister to release public funds now."

“I am also delighted to hear that local people will be employed on site and that priority will be given to local recruitment – this is an early Christmas present for the Leigh area.”

Deborah McLaughlin, HCA’s Regional Director North West said, “It is great news that the regeneration work at Bickershaw South is now starting with the support of our investment. Bickershaw remains a major development priority for the HCA and this additional funding of £19.14m clearly demonstrates our commitment to the area. We will continue to work closely with our delivery partners to make sure that these resources really do bring about transformational change.”

Andy Burnham MP is campaigning for the site to include a memorial to its industrial heritage. He added, "There should be an appropriate memorial to link the new site with its past and remember the generation of Leigh men and women who worked here and, in some cases, were injured or sadly died.”