Borough cash rules lifted

The guidelines around Wigan Council’s Brighter Borough fund, which gives each councillor access to a pot of money each year to support community projects, will change temporarily.

Amid the current public health emergency, the existing criteria as to what can be supported through the funds has been suspended until further notice and councillors are asked to target the money in ways to alleviate hardship and address critical needs.

Leader of the council, Coun David Molyneux said: “Brighter Borough is a fantastic resource that has been supporting community initiatives for around 10 years.

“It’s now more important than ever to ensure our members have the resources to support residents living in their wards. We have temporarily changed the criteria of this initiative so that funds are readily available to help those who need it most in a way suited to them and their local community

The yearly allowance was originally due to be renewed in May, but Wigan Council intends to release the funds earlier so councillors can make immediate plans with local people.

Residents are encouraged to contact their local councillors directly with proposals for the fund. Applications for Brighter Borough will be assessed in line with the local authority’s priorities amid the Covid 19 pandemic.

Coun Molyneux added: “We remain committed to doing all we can to support our most vulnerable residents and we are confident that this change will have a positive effect as local members will have more opportunities to support their residents.

Councillors representing, Atherton, Astley Moseley Common, Atherleigh, Leigh West,

Leigh East and Leigh South have already taken the opportunity by donating a total of £10,000 of Brighter Borough cash to the Atherton and Leigh Trussell Trust Foodbank to help some of the most vulnerable in the community

Foodbank co-ordinator, Warren Done said: “I’m really thankful to the councillors who have donated this money. It has come at a time when we needed it most.

“Due to the current climate, we are much busier at the moment and we were starting to run low on funds to buy new goods. This money will keep us going for another two or three months, which is fantastic.

For more information about Atherton and Leigh Trussell Trust Foodbank or to donate, visit www.athertonleigh.foodbank.org.uk , where you will also find some helpful phone numbers if you need support.