Wigan borough pictured from the skies 21 years ago in 2005

By Michelle Adamson

Published 2nd Jul 2026, 15:45 GMT

Updated 30th Jul 2026, 15:22 GMT

Intrepid Wigan Observer photographer Nick Fairhurst took to the skies over Wigan in a small plane 21 years and took some amazing pictures.

Unfamiliar angles of Orrell, Appley Bridge, Up Holland, Billinge and beyond feature in this intriguing gallery.

WIGAN AERIAL PICTURES 2005 - Orrell Road, Orrell, with Tarnside Road, Greenford Close, Heyes Road, right, and Collisdene Road, bottom right .

1. 2005

WIGAN AERIAL PICTURES 2005 - Orrell Road, Orrell, with Tarnside Road, Greenford Close, Heyes Road, right, and Collisdene Road, bottom right . Photo: Nick Fairhurst

WIGAN AERIAL PICTURES 2005 - The huge Billinge Hospital site, most of which is set for housing redevelopment .

2. 2005

WIGAN AERIAL PICTURES 2005 - The huge Billinge Hospital site, most of which is set for housing redevelopment . Photo: NICK FAIRHURST

WIGAN AERIAL PICTURES 2005 - Up Holland War Memorial.

3. 2005

WIGAN AERIAL PICTURES 2005 - Up Holland War Memorial. Photo: Nick Fairhurst

WIGAN AERIAL PICTURES 2005 - Orrell RUFC's Edge Hall Road ground with it's new clubhouse and building work for more new houses on it's training pitches.

4. 2005

WIGAN AERIAL PICTURES 2005 - Orrell RUFC's Edge Hall Road ground with it's new clubhouse and building work for more new houses on it's training pitches. Photo: NICK FAIRHURST

Wigan Billinge Orrell

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