Ashton-in-Makerfield is the borough’s third largest town and, together with Bryn, is exceptionally well connected to the wider region, with the East Lancashire Road A580 to the south, the M6 along the western side and a rail link at Bryn. The distinctive town centre of Ashton has been recently improved following extensive consultation to make the pedestrian areas safer and increase seating and bicycle tracks. The regular open air market continues to attract a variety of produce and sellers, and there are regular buses and free parking too. Bryn Cross also boasts a wide variety of shops and local services as well.
Ashton is home to three highly regarded High Schools – St Edmund Arrowsmith, The Brychall and Cansfield, with Cansfield also being the location for a sports centre which includes two pools. Jubilee Park, on either side of the main road, offers an oasis of flowers and benches to relax on one side and sports facilities over the road with modern facilities for young people's active play. Exciting outdoor sports, including karting and canoeing, can be enjoyed at Three Sisters in Bryn.
One of the great successes of the transformation from old industries to modern amenities is the ‘Three Sisters’ - three former coal slag heaps in Bryn which are now a popular country park and motor sports track.
Contributions from community groups have not only resulted in rewards and recognition from the North West in Bloom judges, but have also seen major landscaping improvements locally, including an attractive garden on Town Green and a cross and walled garden at Stubshaw Cross.
Ashton and Bryn have a population of around 30,000 and are represented by the MP for Makerfield and by six Elected Members (external link)for the electoral wards of Ashton and Bryn.
Township Forums are the local element of Wigan Borough Partnership and contribute to the delivery of the Sustainable Community Strategy and Local Area Agreement.
Ashton Bryn Area Profile
Township Newsletter: Updated August 2011
Find out more about what's happening in your township (.pdf, 388kb)
