Wigan
Location CityWigan: Town in Greater Manchester, UK, facing environmental & funding challenges, plus drug crime case.
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About
Wigan, a town in Greater Manchester, UK, is currently in the news for several reasons. Firstly, an illegal 25,000-tonne waste dump near a primary school on Bolton House Road is causing significant environmental concerns, with calls for the Environment Agency to clear it. Secondly, an 80-year-old Wigan lottery winner, John Eric Spiby, is implicated in a large-scale counterfeit drug manufacturing operation based near the town. He denies involvement, but is on trial. Finally, Labour MPs from the North West, including those representing Wigan, are protesting the recent three-year local funding settlement, arguing that it unfairly penalizes northern towns and are urging the government to provide more financial support to local councils.
Last updated: May 6, 2026
News from Wigan
Starmer’s future hangs in balance after Burnham’s Makerfield election win
Andy Burnham wins huge majority in Makerfield byelection, paving way for Starmer leadership challenge
Labour campaigners fear hordes of MPs may annoy public as Makerfield votes
Burnham’s momentum builds in Makerfield as byelection nears
‘Labour have lost their way’: voters in Makerfield say it’s time for a change
Makerfield byelection is about more than Andy Burnham
London mayor criticises plans for north of England bid to host Olympics
Fumes, rats and maggots: peer urges Environment Agency to clear illegal dump in Wigan
