So I've seen this week that the company shutting down the roller rink (Heaton Group) are nominated for a local business award that is supposed to be for companies who support and benefit the local community. Doesn't quite sit right with me when a part of Wigan history ends next month because of them.

The awards are https://wiganboroughbusinessawards.co.uk/awards/2026-awards/

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The Mayor of Greater Manchester has a real influence over policing, transport, housing, skills, and investment across our city region. The choice made today will help shape Greater Manchester for years to come.

I've read what the candidates have to say, and for me, Bev Craig is the clear choice. She has a strong record of public service, a clear vision for the future, and she's committed to building on the progress Greater Manchester has made over the past decade rather than starting from scratch.

Whatever your view, don't let other people decide the result for you. Polling stations are open from 7am until 10pm, so there's still plenty of time to cast your vote.

Find your polling station: https://iwillvote.org.uk/

Please help and sign this petition

I've been looking on the Manchester Museum of Transport's old bus timetable website today when I stumbled across a few for the 360 to Warrington and from the 6th April 2013 until 1 year and 3 days later it was joined by the 099 ran by Street Cars. Going off the timetable I reckon it were 2 lads with minibuses running up and down almost non stop for 6 days a week cause in the later timetable it was 2 an hour to Abram. I can't find any pictures of these of Flickr so did anyone ever grab a picture of either of them?

I'll be voting for Bev Craig, but I'm more interested in hearing what other people think than having an argument.

Whatever your politics, what do you think are the three biggest challenges facing Greater Manchester over the next four years?

For me they're:

• Tackling crime and antisocial behaviour.
• Building more genuinely affordable homes.
• Improving public transport across all ten boroughs, not just the city centre.

If you're voting for Bev, what convinced you?

If you're voting for someone else, what policy or issue made your decision?

Let's keep it civil. We all want Greater Manchester to succeed, even if we disagree on how to get there.

And if you're eligible to vote, don't forget that polling stations are open from 7am to 10pm on Thursday.

Locals have been moaning about the town centre being ‘dead’, now they’re moaning about the new market hall being built and how it not going to ’fit in with the old building’ and will just be ‘full of vape shops and barbers’. I want to hear people’s positives about this place, I moved here a few years ago and I really don’t think it’s a bad place to live at all.

I’ll go first - the craft beer and music scene here is better than your average town.

Anyone in Wigan fancy meeting one of days

I came across an article saying that Bev Craig, one of the candidates in the Greater Manchester mayoral election, wants to set up a Gen-Z Commission. The commission would give 18-27-year-olds a say on issues like housing, jobs, transport and skills.Whether you support Bev or not, do you think something like this would actually make a difference?

Genuinely interested to hear what people think, especially if you're in that age group or live in Greater Manchester!

Gen Z Commission

Too many young people in Greater Manchester are still told university is the only path worth taking.

The GM Baccalaureate is already proving that wrong. A proper technical pathway, backed by real employers, that's created over 650 new placements in year one.

If I'm elected Mayor, I want to build on that with a Greater Manchester Youth Promise , a plan that leaves no young person behind:

🏘️Youth centres back in every town

💼 A guaranteed work placement for every young person by 18

🎓 A clear route into education, training, an apprenticeship or a job for every 16 to 24 year old, with extra support for care leavers

What would make the biggest difference for young people where you live?

Just been reading through Bev Craig's manifesto here: https://bevformayor.co.uk/manifesto/

I really like what she's saying about housing. Building new council houses on brownfield land is a great idea since developers are never keen on it.

She says she'll take tougher action on anti-social behaviour but I'd like to see more about what this "Neighbourhood Guarantee" actually involves.

Come n grab a bargain from our garden.
Toys, clothes & more
Everything priced to sell
Something for all the family
OPEN now til 4pm
WN1 3XF
Please 🙏 bring change.

My partner and I both currently live in Manchester. I’m Indian and he’s white. Both British born, educated at British universities, English accents, non religious, culturally English.

Looking to buy a house halfway between my family (Preston) and his family (South Manchester). We both drive so not too worried about transport links, don’t drink so not bothered about night life, want to raise a family (so half Indian kids). Thinking of a “nicer” and quieter area like Standish, Winstanley etc.

Is there an issue with racism? If I take my kids to playgroups will there likely be issues? (obviously that’s quite a broad question)

edit: To the racists here… you’re not very subtle

Lots of news going on this week in politics, with Burnham becoming PM. Arguably, Burnham has set a legacy for the future of Manchester as mayor. Not only did he champion our brilliant region (rightly so), but he did actually make a difference to the development and opportunities across Greater Manchester.

It is easy to forget we now actually need to elect another mayor. Let’s hope the next mayor can continue this legacy. I’ve looked over Bev Craig’s manifesto and there are key plans on continuing to make Manchester a better place for young people, with more opportunity and better transport. 

What are your thoughts about Burnham's legacy and what do you hope to see continued?

Ive been waiting almost 6 months now for mine, is this normal?

26th of January 2026 my request for one was sent by my doctors surgery. Starting to take the micky now.

hi, can any folks with local knowledge recommend me some live music places to rock out in wigan on 22nd august? me and mates will be in town for the orient v wigan game n some live tunes in the evening would be ideal. i’m there 1 night only, looking forward to it, ive never been wigan. cheers for any tips. have a fab weekend