Wigan Council Demands Urgent Transport Upgrades for Leigh 2026

Key Points

• Wigan Council has unanimously approved a motion calling for urgent improvements to transport connectivity in Leigh.
• Deputy leader Councillor Keith Cunliffe submitted the motion, describing better transport links as a “matter of urgency” for residents.
• The council is urging Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) and the new Mayor of Greater Manchester to consider interim rapid transport systems while long-term Metrolink options are assessed.
• Councillors highlighted that long journey times to Manchester contribute to social exclusion and limit employment, education and mobility opportunities.
• Councillor John Harding seconded the motion, reaffirming Wigan Council’s ongoing partnership with TfGM.
• Councillor Jenny Gregory called for reinstatement of direct transport links from Leigh to Warrington to improve cross-border connectivity.
• The motion asks TfGM and the Bee Network to deliver improved services, including night services and better links to Leigh Sports Village.
• Existing plans include a new transport interchange in Leigh and potential Metrolink connections from Manchester.
• The motion was approved following a vote by all elected members at the Full Council meeting.

Wigan (Manchester Mirror) August 07, 2026 – An urgent plea for improved transport links for Leigh has been backed by members of uk/local/wigan/">Wigan Council. A motion submitted by deputy leader Councillor Keith Cunliffe calling for better connectivity was presented at the most recent meeting of the Full Council. It means Wigan Council will ask Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) and the new Mayor of Greater Manchester to consider ‘interim rapid transport systems’ while long term solutions – such as Metrolink – are assessed, as reported by Highways News. Councillor Cunliffe told colleagues improvements are a “matter of urgency” for residents in and around Leigh, with higher frequency for existing services and smaller scale infrastructure projects required, according to Wigan Today.

What did Councillor Keith Cunliffe say about Leigh’s transport challenges?

Councillor Cunliffe, who represents Leigh Central and Higher Folds, highlighted the long journeys faced by residents during peak hours. As reported by Councillor Keith Cunliffe of Wigan Council to the Leigh Journal, he said:

“I know as being part of the Mayoral Development Zone things are happening to see about transport improvement and a feasibility study at getting Metrolink into Leigh. I welcome that. But big infrastructure projects can take years. There are things that can be done in the interim period and that is what we would like to explore.”

He added that increased travel times into locations in Manchester city centre and surrounding areas leave residents socially excluded, causing “barriers to employment, education, and social mobility”, according to Wigan Today.

What interim solutions are being proposed for Leigh’s transport network?

The motion calls for interim rapid transport systems to be considered ahead of longer-term options like the Metrolink. As reported by Councillor Keith Cunliffe of Wigan Council to Highways News, he said: “I welcome the fact there are proposals for infrastructure to improve connectivity, but we’ve heard examples this evening of where connectivity can be improved by switches to services. There are opportunities to do things differently, to have services running at night, to work with TfGM, to have improved links to Leigh Sports Village, for example, and other important sites. This motion is about asking TfGM and the new Mayor of Greater Manchester, with the Bee Network, to make a difference for people in Leigh.” Existing plans include a new transport interchange in Leigh and potential Metrolink connections from Manchester, according to Wigan Council’s official news release.

What support did other councillors express for the motion?

The motion was seconded by Councillor John Harding, who emphasised Wigan Council’s ongoing partnership with Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) to deliver better transport services, as reported by the Leigh Journal. Speaking in favour of the motion, Councillor Jenny Gregory, who represents Lowton East, called for the reinstatement of direct transport links from Leigh to Warrington to improve county cross-border connectivity. As reported by Councillor Jenny Gregory of Wigan Council to Wigan Today, she said the reintroduction of services through Leigh to Warrington would “help open up opportunities across the GM border and beyond.” The motion was approved following a vote by all elected members, according to Highways News.

How does this motion align with existing transport strategies for Leigh?

Wigan Council’s transport strategy documents outline plans for improving rapid transit services in Leigh and enhancing the bus network, including growing into the opportunities of bus services under the Bee Network programme, as reported in the Wigan Transport Strategy 2024. The strategy calls for an options study to assess the potential for a rapid transit connection to be brought to Leigh, potentially as a tram-train service connecting from the Atherton Line. Work with TfGM to develop options for a modern, high-quality transport interchange in Leigh town centre to replace the current bus station is also part of the five-year plan activities, according to the Wigan Local Implementation Plan.

How will this development affect Leigh’s residents and local economy?

Improved transport connectivity in Leigh is expected to reduce social exclusion, enhance access to employment and education opportunities, and support local economic growth. As reported by Councillor Keith Cunliffe of Wigan Council to the Leigh Journal, long travel times to Manchester and other key areas are contributing to social exclusion and limiting opportunities for employment, education and mobility. The Bee Network programme, which includes the new Golborne railway station set to begin construction later this month, aims to create a more connected transport network across Greater Manchester, according to the Leigh Journal.

Background of the particular development

The motion for improved transport links in Leigh follows years of advocacy by local councillors and residents. In 2023, Wigan Council resolved to ask Transport for Greater Manchester to explore options and a business case to make Leigh a Metrolink terminus, according to Wigan Council’s Q&A records. The Leigh-Salford-Manchester Busway and the A49 Link Road have been delivered as part of major transport infrastructure interventions, as reported in the Wigan Transport Strategy Refresh. The new Golborne railway station, which will provide Golborne with its first rail connection since the town’s previous station closed more than 60 years ago, is being delivered through the Bee Network programme, according to the Leigh Journal.

Prediction: How this development can affect Leigh’s residents and local economy

If the proposed interim rapid transport systems and long-term Metrolink connections are implemented, Leigh’s residents are likely to experience reduced travel times, improved access to employment and education opportunities, and enhanced social mobility. The local economy could benefit from increased footfall, better connectivity to Manchester and surrounding areas, and improved links to key sites such as Leigh Sports Village. However, delays in implementation or insufficient interim measures could perpetuate social exclusion and limit economic growth, according to statements by Councillor Keith Cunliffe and Councillor Jenny Gregory. The success of these initiatives will depend on collaboration between Wigan Council, TfGM, and the new Mayor of Greater Manchester, as reported by Highways News and Wigan Today.