WORK to Leigh's new look War Memorial Gardens has been delayed - again!

The £135,000 project is now way behind schedule.

But the man leading the campaign to rid the area of an 'undesirable element' who vandalise the Church Street site has promised the work WILL resume on Monday next week.

"Or I'll be very annoyed and wanting to know why it hasn't," said Leigh East councillor Keith Cunliffe.

The delays have been blamed on the contractor falling behind on another job because of the weather.

Cllr Cunliffe added: "It is very welcome news that before the winter comes, and certainly next Remembrance Sunday, Leigh Cenotaph will be fully restored and its surroundings will have become a valuable town centre amenity."

And a Wigan Council spokesman said: "There have also been a number of administrative issues on the subject of the contract."

The desolate scene at Church Street has been strongly criticised by a property consultant who recently visited town.

Sam Lancaster from Chorley said the gardens were a "sad contrast to other parts of the country" where gardens are full of flowers and free of vandalism.

"This desolate park's sole function appeared to be to serve the trading needs of some of the town's young unemployed," said Mr Lancaster.

The project - scheduled to be finished by mid-summer - is budgeted at £130,000.

Work will involve removing high hedges and railings, installing CCtv and creating an open-plan aspect in the gardens, site of the town's war memorial.

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