Making A Difference - Improvements Pay Off For Hag Fold

A series of major environmental improvements are making a real difference to the quality of life on an Atherton estate.

As a result there's been a drop in crime and anti-social behaviour on Hag Fold and residents report that they feel safer, more secure and happier with the environment.

Thanks to the £750,000 programme of improvements, crime statistics have shown a 20 per cent decline in juvenile nuisance and a 12 per cent drop in criminal damage since work began in 2003.

The programme has seen the council's Street Scene team join forces with the Hag Fold Community Committee to erect 360 new lighting columns, 600 dropped kerbs for disabled access and 20 new litter bins across the estate.

There has also been a series of landscaping projects to enhance the local environment and a programme of litter clean-up campaigns. Funding came from the government's Single Regeneration Budget (SRB5 Atherton Building Communities) and the council's Engineering Services Department.

Nick Burdekin, the council's People and Places co-ordinator, has been studying the results of consultation with the residents about the programme.

He says: "I'm delighted that residents agree that this project has made a difference. 82 per cent who responded think we've improved the appearance of the estate and 88 per cent are happy with the quality of the new street lighting."

Better lighting has been shown to improve feelings of security, and on the estate 83 per cent feel their night time safety is better. The partnership between the council officers, ward members and the Hag Fold Community Committee has welcomed the results of the consultation, which suggest 89 per cent of residents believe the scheme was a worthwhile use of funds.

Susan Wilson, who is chair of the SRB5 board, is especially pleased with the results.

She says: "This shows what can be achieved when services work together with local people and respond to their concerns. People feel safer, environments are improved and residents feel that the SRB5 money is making a positive and measurable improvement to their quality of life."

"There's still a lot to do," says Nick. "Our survey shows residents remain concerned about litter and other issues such as children out late at night. Our education programmes like Kick Litter Into Touch can help, but we want all residents to join us in developing a sense of community and respect.

"We're planning further community events and litter picks to help give residents a chance to keep Hag Fold the way we all want it to be."

Wigan Council's Cabinet Member for the Environment Cllr Dave Molyneux said: "This is a real success story and it just goes to show what can be achieved when the community and the council work together. The results of this improvement programme are plain to see and they are a testament to the dedication and enthusiasm of the residents who have been more than willing to get involved and make the changes happen.

"It is vitally important for us that people feel safe in their communities and happy within the environments in which they live, so we are delighted with what is happening in Hag Fold and know there's much more to come."

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