‘This plan will turn a 200-year-old canal into a ticking time-bomb’

Leigh: Folks living near a canal site are really worried about plans for a new housing estate. They think it could turn their area into a disaster waiting to happen.

The homes on Johnson Close and Norley Road are pretty low compared to the canal banks, which are about nine meters high. The land next door used to be a colliery spoil tip, and people are concerned that building there could lead to landslides and flooding.

Back in 2017, Wigan Council and the Canal and River Trust got the green light for this development as part of a bigger plan. But now, with a major housing developer involved, locals are feeling even more anxious.

Residents like Andy Hogg are asking what will happen if the canal breaches. He pointed out that the area is already prone to flooding, especially in winter. They’re worried that cutting down trees that help shield their homes will only make things worse.

Andy also mentioned a report from 1975 that warned about the risks of landslips along the canal. He’s not alone in his concerns; other neighbors share his fears about the stability of the land.

Frank Grimes, who has lived in the area forever, remembers when the colliery spoil was dumped on farmland. He’s worried that if they’re not careful, it could end up like the Aberfan disaster, where a landslide caused a tragic loss of life.

Residents are also concerned about the wildlife in the area. They’ve seen bats, deer, and newts, and they’re worried about what might happen when construction starts. One resident even recalled how some mining spoil caught fire during a hot summer.

Wigan Council hasn’t commented much since the application is still under review. Meanwhile, Taylor Wimpey, the developer, says they’re aware of the concerns and have done assessments to address flood risks.