HISTORIC Leigh Old Town is to get a multi-million pound cash injection as part of an ambitious transformation plan.

Leigh port is to receive a cash injection from the Government’s Levelling Up Fund for a series of improvements to make the Old Town a safe place to work and visit.

The work will involve construction of a new quay wall, access improvements, dredging of the area beside the quay wall and channel, and resurfacing of a wharf.

The port is home to many fishing and recreational vessels and the surrounding marshes are designated as a Special Protected Area.

The £19.9m funding awarded by the Government for both Leigh and the Cliffs Pavilion revamp will be match funded by £5.5m, from the council’s capital investment programme, and works would be completed by March 2024.

Carole Mulroney, Lib Dem cabinet member for environment, culture, tourism and planning, said: “As a Leigh councillor I am delighted for the recognition given to our ancient port.

“This funding will go a long way in helping us to further invest in and drive economic recovery, maintain support for vital facilities and services at Leigh Port and the Cliffs Pavilion, and encourage further increases in visitors to the area.”

Ms Mulroney added: “Our aim of becoming the number one staycation resort in the UK is certainly achievable. We have a fantastic visitor offer across the whole town, and with further investment we can solidify our position as a soon-to-be city where people want to live, work and visit.”

Leigh fisherman Paul Gilson was keen to see more details on the area beneath the flyover and towards Leigh Station.

He said: “I welcome the interest and the money but it is how wisely that we spend it that is most important. If they are going to improve the quayside it must benefit all.

“Old Leigh is a very small place and there is so much going on in that small place I don’t know how they will improve it but the devil is in the detail.”

The Levelling Up Fund was launched in March to help support town centre and high street regeneration, cultural and heritage assets and highways improvement projects.