Our area guide to Wigan provides you with a brief overview of the neighbourhood from its properties, public parks, local schools, council tax, public transport links through to shopping and going out.

Wigan Property and Architecture

Wigan is a popular town with a varied property stock comprising a cross-section of properties from the Victorian era through to present day.  Property stock includes older style traditional detached, semi-detached and terraced housing through to 1930s properties some fine examples of which can be found towards the northern sought after areas of the town such as Swinley, Whitley and Marylebone.

From this period gradual development has continued throughout the decades to more recent times, with modern speculatively built accommodation being found in such areas as Foundry Lane in Highfield, Foxdene Grove and Castlemere Close in Winstanley, to the south of the town.

Flatted accommodation within the town ranges from period conversions, a notable example of which is Trenchfield Mill, your typical post war construction through to plush modern developments examples, of which may be found along Wigan Road.

Wigan Shopping and Entertainment

Wigan offers an extensive choice when it comes to shopping and in the heart of Wigan you can find award winning Galleries Shopping Centre. Here you will find many top named stores and independent and specialist shops are among the 100 plus shops conveniently spread throughout the two level centre.  Shops include the likes of Morrisons, New Look and Argos. In addition The Grand Arcade, described as Wigan's showpiece shopping centre, houses high street giants Waterstones, HMV, TK Maxx , H&M, Debenhams, BHS and Next amongst others.

Wigan provides a range of eateries offering a nice blend of the nation’s favourite foods coupled with several of the more commonly known convenient fast food retailers all of which serve to cater for most peoples tastes.

Wigan Leisure and Parks

The town has an extensive mixture of fantastic amenities as well as tranquil countryside and lakes. Fantastic attractions including Haigh Hall Country Park with its Halls & Gardens, Craft Gallery, nature trails, a playground, woodlands, miniature railway and Haigh Hall golf complex. Wigan is conveniently situated to be able to visit other places of interest and attractions in the surrounding areas.

Sport plays a big part in the culture and lifestyles of the people in the Wigan borough. There are some superb facilities, as well as great venues showcasing professional sports events. The DW Stadium plays host to Wigan Athletic Football Club and Wigan Warriors Rugby League Football Club.

There is a choice of at least five swimming pools around the borough and numerous Leisure Centres offering a multitude of sports facilities. There are also many specialist venues such as Three Sisters race track and Haydock Park race course.

Local Train Stations

Wigan Wallgate and Wigan North Western

Wigan Local Authorities

Wigan Council

Council Responsibilities

Local councils are responsible for all council services and duties which include social services, housing, education planning, refuse collection and much more. For more specific enquiries please visit the council website detailed below and contact the relevant departments.

Wigan Council, Town Hall, Library Street, Wigan, WN1 1YN - www.wigan.gov.uk

Council Tax Rates

Annual Council Tax rates are calculated by the local council and the amount that you pay is determined by which valuation banding your property falls within.

Council Tax Rates for Wigan Council

Band A £	Band B £	Band C £	Band D £	Band E £	Band F £	Band G £	Band H £
912.44	1,064.51	1,216.58	1,378.40	1,672.80	1,976.95	2,281.10	2,737.32

Not everyone pays the same level of council tax and there are a range of ways in which you may qualify for a reduction in the annual charge. For more information with regards to possible discounts please visit the Directgov website.

http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/HomeAndCommunity/YourlocalcouncilandCouncilTax/CouncilTax/DG_10037422

Schools in and around Wigan

Schools in Wigan fall under the Wigan Local Education Authority.