I agree in large to the reasons for it, I just feel that it has happened and it went without protest.

It's true to say that many town centers have died out, but I think that they largely expect us to use wigan town center for our shopping.

It the same reason places like orrell have become sprawling housing estates with no infrastructure or shops, but it doesn't have to be this way.

A good market brings people into a town, look at earlestown that is very similar in economic terms to ashton, yet every friday its heaving, so much so that Saturday market (which always was a car boot style) is now attracting regular traders.

Earlestown has a tesco, hallmark cards, greggs, superdrug, wilkinsons and morrisons as well as independent retailers.

Earlestown is far from perfect, but they haven't let their town heartbeat die. There is now plans for a further supermarket with petrol facilities, but the market will still remain as it is considered part of thar community.

What I meant with my initial post is that Ashton has forgotten what made it a thriving place and everyone suffers the consequences.

As you explain in your post you have to go out of ashton for your shopping due to poor transport parking and a lack of suitable shops. Imagine if you didn't have to do that.

I think ashton should protest. It is lucky to have some of the best schools in the area, as well as good leisure areas such as the parks and the swimming baths.

Why then should the people be deprived of a thriving center?

Town: ashton