Improvements at Leigh recycling centre

Work includes re-surfacing, new drainage, improved recycling options for the public and new office and welfare facilities.

The majority of work is taking place while the centre remains open to minimise disruption to the public although there may be some slight delays as work takes place.

The centre will however have to close to the public next month for four weeks for the installation of a large canopy over the main part of the site.

The canopy, 40 metres by seven metres, will keep people dry in all weathers as they recycle.

The closure is planned from Monday October 12 to re-open on Friday November 6.

As part of The Deal, Wigan Council will provide extra manned skips in key community sites to help residents continue to recycle during the closure of the Slag Lane site.

Specific details of where the skips will be located will be publicised near the time.

During the closure residents can also use alternative recycling centres at Kirkless in Makerfield Way, Higher Ince, which is six miles away, and Chanters Industrial Estate in Atherton, which is five miles away.

Councillor Kevin Anderson, Wigan Council’s cabinet member for environment, said: “As part of The Deal we are committed to investing in our recycling centres to ensure that the recycling process for the public is an efficient and enjoyable one.

“To improve the service that we offer at Slag Lane recycling centre we are carrying out this essential work.

“While we unfortunately have to temporarily close the site we are providing extra manned skips in the community to encourage residents to continue to recycle.

“We will re-open the centre as soon as it is safe for us to do so.”

More than £6 million is being invested on improving the borough’s recycling centres under a 25 year contract with FCC that started in April this year.

The work has been planned to take place in the autumn when the site is quieter compared to the summer and Christmas periods.

For further information on recycling, updates on the work and locations of alternative sites visit:www.wigan.gov.uk/recycling