Hindley Green Residents Association

---

New Bailiff for Clay Hole:

Andy Tonge is taking over as bailiff at the Clay Hole for West Lake Fishing Club who has just

sorted out a new lease with Wigan Council. West Lake Fishing Club is affiliated to Wigan A.A and the Wigan A.A Secretary suggested Andy for the job as he doesn't live far away and has always proved a responsible person. Andy also bailiffs Hindley Deep Pit & Square Lodge for Wigan and is respected by the local anglers and does a good job. Andy will only be involved in the angling on the Clay Hole and any none angling issues will be sorted out by the Council.

Monday 6^th July 2009

Demonstration, organized by Cllr Bob Brierley at the junction of Richmond Rd/Atherton Rd.

Demo took place at 10.30 AM.

Present were: Cllr Bob Brierley, Emma Barton & colleague, from WMBC Highways Dept, Natalie Walker, Reporter for Wigan Evening Post , Paul Greenwood , Photographer for Wigan Evening Post, David Culshaw,  ( Hindley Residents Assc / Fohs ) and four Hindley Green residents.

Cllr Bob Brierley put forward his argument re: the safety aspect of this island.
There followed a discussion on whether or not the objections to the island was valid.

A WMBC refuse wagon was employed to complete the demonstration.

The driver was instructed to exit Richmond Rd and turn right into Atherton Rd avoiding the central island.

It was quite apparent that by avoiding running over the island or damaging the bollards, the truck would have had to either mount the pavement or make more than one manoeuvre.

Photograph shows Cllr Brierley standing on the pavement in a position where a pedestrian could possibly be hit by a vehicle.

It was pointed out the danger to pedestrians of a Fire Engine passing this island.

A Fire Engine being 3.4 metres wide and the road only 2.9 metres.

Emma Burton also explained that the reason for the island being placed at an angle was because it was following the line of the road.

There was discussion whether or not the island meets required safety standards.

Since this demonstration took place, further measures have been implemented. Below, pictures show that bollards have been put in place to stop vehicles mounting the pavement. The lamp standard has been moved back.

Monday 6^th July 2009

Demonstration of rotavator at Westlake Play area by WMBC.
Demo took place at 2.30 PM
Present were: Cllr Bob Brierley (Hindley Green), Cllr Brian Merry (Bryn), Peter Burt (W & LCT), and Brian Leigh (Chief Executive Officer).
Three council workers including the Park Engineer)

Eric Dickens and J Unsworth (Hindley Green residents)

It became apparent that the demonstration was just showing how the compacted sand was rotavated and any debris removed by hand.
The council workers explained that the sand was not done on a regular schedule but only when they felt that the sand was too compacted.

The rotavator did not turn the sand and sift it to remove any debris or more importantly broken glass.

A long discussion then took place by those present about the safety aspects of sand versus soft surface.

It was said by the Park engineers that any new play area in the Wigan Borough was fitted with soft surfacing because it appears that most people would rather have it than sand.

When asked why, as a safety measure, Hindley Westlake could not have soft surface, the answer was given as financial.

The discussion moved on to the request by Cllr Brierley for tarmac to be laid around the pathways.

Again the refusal to do this was down to finance.

There was then a discussion about more park benches: there is money for this but there would have to be consultation with residents to see if this is acceptable.

Due to short staff local Councillors and HGRA would probably have to help Malcom Coe with this.

The way ahead was for Malcolm Coe along with Coucillors and HGRA to seek funding from Zenno Vattev the Funding Officer WMBC to progress any further leisure projects.

Also, although this area carries 20mph recommendation signs, speeding still remains a problem.

Blockages of traffic are being experienced at the junction of Leigh Rd/Smiths Lane since the new traffic lights have been put into place. The problem seems due to the parked vehicles on Bickershaw lane. 

 Fire Don't worry about it - Do something about it.

Our Home Fire Risk Assessment Teams are on call now to offer free home checks, free fitted smoke alarms (where appropriate) and advice on fire safety to anyone who might be at risk.

Why worry when we can put your mind at rest? Simply call us now on

Freephone 0800 555 815

 Further advice and guidance is available at www.fire.gov.uk