There were a lot of plans in the last few years for the regeneration of Ashton town centre including the market. Some good, some questionable. One point that I didnt like the sound of was that Ashton needs "more high profile" shops such as Tesco, Boots etc. To me this always undermines the local family run outlets that we have. There should be a balance between a good economy and a place for people who live here to have opportunities. I would hate to see Ashton dominated by big business. Sad to see Boardmans closing after being there for ages. Ashton is a good place, with some really nice people.

Town: The Ancient Kingdom of Stubshaw Cross

You hit the nail on the head when you mentioned councillors and M.P. When have they fought for anything in Ashton and i include the Warriungton M.P. yes Warrington she's not from ashton and to date i havnt seen anything posative she has done for Ashton Bragging about the new health centre is top i would have loved to see the repliese to the survay they keep bragging about i have not spoken to one person in favour due to car parking problems yet they are bragging what theve done. No proper oposition against them so they are settled at doing nothing that fails to meet the headlines.

Town: Ashton

Chris - I agree with some of your comments. Earlestown has become a thriving town because it's people have embraced change. Ashtonians, from what I can tell, don't seem to like or want change. As a result things stay the same and innvitably get steadily worse. A big problem with Ashton town centre I believe is that Gerard St. is a major road route. I would like to see Gerard St. closed to traffic and the area made into a pedestrian zone, this would give Ashtonians a chance to have a 'town centre' space which they can take some pride in. I would also like to see the waste ground behing the public toilets on Princess Road redeveloped in some way (possible supermarket but it's probably not big enough), this would pull people and shoppers into the area and I believe this would help (not hinder) the more specialised local shops. I'd be interested to hear what other suggestions people might have.

Town: Ashton

Nice idea that about Gerard St. I think it would be good as others do. The problems start with trying to get the traffic around Ashton town centre.

A few ideas have been put forward but none suit everybody.
Any ideas?

Town: Stubshaw Cross

Ashton has to butchers shops, who uses them in preference to supermarkets? Aston has a carpet shop who uses it in preference to one of the multiples? Ashton has a green grocers, the same applies. Perhaps people can add more, but not many.
It is no use moaning about the decline of our town centres when we don't use them and cash registers say we don't.
Also when national government said No should be the answer to out of town shopping centres Wigan council allowed Robin Park and the Sainsbury devlopment.
Seven day opening is not really suitable for the small shop keeper yet another example of how central government help to destroy the small shop.
I am sorry there is little apart from what Glen suggest about traffic that can help and we all know the attitude of, "the movers and shakers" on any viable solution. (yes!! Alan is being Alan, I was a voice in the wilderness)
As I have said before we have to "grasp the nettle" of the traffic problem before Ashton is just pubs, pound shops and take aways.

Town: Br/Ash

Ashton and other town centres are like they are because of the way people voted, not at the ballot box but with ignition key and wallet.

There were loads of small shop keepers warning what would happen thirty and forty years ago, but the same type of people who now moan its passing brought it about.

You can let the Genie out of the bottle but it is well nigh impossible to put it back.

Town: Br/Ash