Landgate’s Good Relations

Actions speak louder than words for residents of Wigan’s Landgate estate and they’ve got the results to prove it.

From play areas to parking spaces and from fencing to fun days, the Landgate Community Group has been involved in improving the quality of life for all residents for the past three years—and they don’t plan to stop now.

In fact the group is calling for even more residents to join in and help shape the future of the entire estate for the better.

The group was set up with help from Wigan & Leigh Housing’s Tenant Participation Team. The team works with residents throughout the borough to get them involved in the decision–making process concerning their homes and communities.

The Landgate group regularly meets to talk about what people would like to see happen and keeps local people informed through newsletters sent to every house on the estate.

Some of the initiatives that the group has been involved in:

• Litter bins placed at shops and on the new park,
• New road–surfacing, driveways and fencing for areas of the estate,
• Bulb planting,
• Benches placed on the estate and local park,
• and distribution of energy saving light bulbs to properties eligible to receive them.

One of the group’s crowning glories was to get the funding to create a new play area for children on the open space at Yewdale Road.

The group plans to do more work with young people and is currently applying for more funding to be spent on youth projects.

The Landgate Community Group even has its own youth representative in 18–year–old committee member Gavin Prior, who together with other youths is coaching local young people to play football.

On Tuesday July 13th the group will hold its Annual General Meeting (AGM) and everyone’s invited to come along and have their say. Landgate Group chair Kath Conry said:

“Through working together we have a community and a community spirit that is second to none. We’re all proud to belong to this community, which is why we all want to get involved and make it as good as it can be.

“We are open to ideas and suggestions and always welcome new support. At the AGM residents can put themselves forward and take an active role on the committee.”

Congratulating the group on its success, Wigan & Leigh Housing Chief Executive Peter Gee, said:

“We believe that the best way we can improve the quality of life for our tenants is by listening to them and working with them. The Landgate Group is a prime example of how successful this can be.”

Landgate residents wanting to attend the AGM are asked to speak to a committee member.

For more information on Tenants’ Participation and how to get involved in your community call (0800) 389 7652.

-ends-