Wigan Borough Environment & Heritage Network

Meeting minutes

10.30 a.m. April 23rd 2018 at Museum of Wigan Life.
Present:
Ken Barston (Stubshaw Cross Residents Group), Peter Goodwin (Tradition Films), Derek Wilde (Wigan Family History Society), Mary Pennington (Wigan Archaeology Society), Avis Freeman (Leigh Soroptimists), Neil Forshaw (George Formby Society), Joe Taylor (Billinge History Society), John O’Neill (Greenheart), Guest Speaker - Lee Payne (Wigan MBC)
Apologies:
Bryan Irving (Billinge & Orrell Transition Town), Richard Sivill (Atherton Heritage), Glenys McClellan (Leigh Family History Society), Bob Bruce (Lancashire Mining Museum), David Shallcross (Leigh Ornithological Society), Tom Price (Civic Trust), Peter Taylor (Civic Trust), Lynda Jackson (Wigan MBC), Alex Miller (Wigan MBC),

Lee Payne (Council’s service manager for housing) is new in position. He informed network members about his role within planning and his remit concerning the municipality’s 22,300 property housing stock, which is now no longer managed by an ‘arm’s length’ entity but is back within direct Council control. The old building programme is still ongoing. Emphasis is being directed at ‘specialist’ and ‘appropriate’ housing - elderly, autistic etc. Lee then opened the floor to questions and comments from those present.

A long and detailed discussion took place, as per last month with Steve Thompson & Chris Leather, regarding issues relevant to the MBC’s housing stock the role the Network might play in assisting Lee to fulfil Council’s obligations.

As with Steve and Chris at the last meeting, Lee was invited to drop in on any future Network meetings for information swapping and mutual assistance.

Minutes of the last meeting were passed as true and accurate, then members exchanged news about the recent work of their individual organisations. Most relevant was that John O’Neil will step down from his role as Network representative on the Wallgate Townscape Heritage Initiative Partnership and we are invited to nominate a replacement. Would anyone interested consider this and let the Network secretary know prior to making a decision at the next meeting.

Neil and his friends played for the Queen’s Birthday Party this year..

Avis will secure a congratulations card for Alex for securing the funding grant to upgrade the Archives, to be signed by members at the next meeting.

Next meeting June 4th at Leigh Town Hall.