But there have been heroes and smiles as well as misfortune and sadness. We look back on some of the stories that were making the biggest headlines in Wigan over the past 12 months.
5. March
A £140m plan to expand Kitt Green's already huge food plant was axed by the company after workers refused to accept new conditions as part of the deal, despite unions recommending they did so Photo: submit
6. March
There were reports of scarlet fever breaking out among Wigan children - a foretaste of the more recent and more dangerous - strep A side-effects from the illness which have claimed several UK youngsters' lives. Photo: Photo: NHS
7. April
We mourned the loss of "warrior mum" Estelle Wignall to ovarian cancer at the age of just 27. Photo: NW
8. April
The debt-ridden Academy of Live and Recorded Arts (Alra) at Wigan Pier suddenly closed its doors, leaving students shocked and distressed. Fortunately another drama school has since taken over its running Photo: MA