Residents demand more roads before houses are built

Brian Neary said more infrastructure is needed before houses are built

Hundreds of residents have scrutinised plans to build thousands of homes after claiming there can be "no homes without roads".

Wigan Council and developers want to build 2,000 houses in the south Hindley area of Wigan but residents have said there needs to be a major road network before houses are built.

A revised application, which will be submitted in February, includes a new east-west link road with four access points on to the new estate between Liverpool Road and Leigh Road - but residents say it is not enough.

A decision on the plans are expected in autumn 2025.

'No homes without roads'

Some of the 500 people who attended two public consultation meetings in Hindley and Hindley Green, organised by the council and Peel by real estate firm Avison Young, said there needs to be a major by-pass through Hindley to alleviate traffic passing between Wigan and Bolton.

Brian Neary, 65, said the amount of houses does not bother him but the lack of infrastructure does.

"The road through the estate that will link Liverpool Road and Leigh Road will add to the traffic that’s already there," he said.

“Sometimes from Hindley it takes me an hour to get into Wigan by car and it’s only four miles away. What I am saying is that we can’t have homes with no roads."

Bob Watson, 71, was in support of the plans, which includes a new local centre incorporating a primary school, new shops, a healthcare centre and other community facilities.

He said: “It’s sad that I am the only person who seems to be in favour of it. If you are in your early 20s and trying to get on the housing ladder this is a good thing."

Wigan Council said the new plan aims to the best for present and future communities.