Anger at state of empty buildings

The former St John’s Primary School in New Springs and what used to be the Bridge 63 restaurant at Red Rock have both lain empty for several years and are falling into an increasingly dilapidated state.

The building on Wigan Road and the former venue to get something to eat or drink on Red Rock Lane are both in private hands following the end of their previous uses for education and hospitality.

Ward councillors are now saying enough is enough and have pledged to find out what the owners’ intentions are for the buildings and then look at what legal avenues might be available to give them a new lease of life.

Elected representatives in the Wigan Council chamber say complaints about the state of the buildings are now regular arrivals in their postbags.

And they say that after years of nothing being done patience with the owners is now wearing very thin.

Coun Ron Conway said: “We try to keep the area clean and nice with our residents and volunteers working with us every day.

“We are now going to get advice from the valuation office in Warrington because the owners need to be paying full council tax like everyone else has to.

“Many feel that the owners are waiting for them to fall into total disrepair, which is just not acceptable.”

Labour’s candidate for Aspull New Springs Whelley ward in the local election, Laura Flynn, said: “ It would be a massive shame to lose these iconic buildings.

“I know all ward councillors have tried very hard over the years and only been rewarded with false starts and promises.”

The local election candidates for Aspull New Springs Whelley are: Laura Flynn (Labour), Andrew Holland (Liberal Democrats), John Hulme (Independent) and Luke Marsden (Conservatives).

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