Hopes high for Wigan railway station car park extension

Couns Paul Blay and Jim Talbot have called for “progress to be made” on the proposed expansion of Hindley Station car park on Ladies Lane.

Earlier this month they met Makerfield MP Yvonne Fovargue and Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) representatives in a bid to get some movement on the issue which has been on the drawing board for several years and supported by TfGM but bogged down in legal arguments over access.

Nearby residents have long-standing complaints over vehicles being left there throughout the day by commuters.

And following the meeting, the pair are both confident now that the funding can be found for the car park along with disabled access.

Couns Blay and Talbot said: “The car park extension has been a long-running saga in the making for the last seven years. Six of those were down to legal wrangling over access to the proposed extension.

“We are now pleased to announce this hurdle has finally been removed. The last year’s delay was obviously taken up with the Covid pandemic.

“After the meeting we have come away feeling optimistic of not only the funding being found for the car park but that disabled access could be incorporated into the project. The station is a high priority for TfGM and has been put forward for all potential funding streams.

“The extension is well overdue and would give relief to the surrounding area that has suffered greatly with parking issues over many years.”

The station is currently fifth on the list of priority stations in the Greater Manchester Access For All funding.

But with the four above it already having been pledged money, meaning they are “shovel-ready,” Hindley is actually top of the next list of priorities.

The councillors said: “Wigan Council have introduced parking restrictions in the immediate area around the station to limit fly-parking, but without the car park improvements, this only serves to move this issue on to a wider area. When funding bids are ready, Yvonne Fovargue and we are happy to provide the necessary support.

“On a connected issue of a much needed bus service up to the station/medical centre Yvonne and we will be making representations to the appropriate people at TFGM within the next couple of weeks.” They said a further meeting with TfGM will be arranged within three months.

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