FROM the sky, the familiar landscape of Leigh looks almost the same now as it did around 50 years ago.

Yet, as these Echo archive photos from as early as the 1900s show how the area has undergone some significant changes over the decades.

Echo: Shoppers - Leigh in 1981Shoppers - Leigh in 1981 (Image: Newsquest)

Major developments around Leigh Broadway will see more than 50 new flats built this year, including 20 flats at St Clements Gate next to Henry Burgers, 18 flats at the Grand Hotel, and 15 flats opposite the Grand on the site of a former car wash.  

Carole Mulroney, Liberal Democrat councillor for Leigh, raised concerns in recent weeks over these modern developments changing the face of the "traditional" town.

Echo: Bird's eye view - Leigh from the sky in 1992Bird's eye view - Leigh from the sky in 1992 (Image: Newsquest)

However, while the iconic Grand Hotel pub and other former businesses have since been transformed, and some shop names in these images have been consigned to the past, the town has been praised over the years for keeping its unique feel with an abundance of independent business. 

Echo: Parked up - shops in Leigh in 1982Parked up - shops in Leigh in 1982 (Image: Newsquest)

Muddy Stilettos named the quaint seaside town one of its best places to live for 2024 thanks to its combined "buzzy café culture with Old Town charm".

Residents are fiercely protective of keeping shops in the town mostly independent, with Costa Coffee closing down its branch in the Broadway in 2022 as business bosses and residents insisted shoppers prefer to get their caffeine hit from the independent cafes.

Echo: Crossing - Leigh Broadway in 1992Crossing - Leigh Broadway in 1992 (Image: Newsquest)

As Greggs is thought to be considering opening a site, traders have called to "keep chains out and keep our independents in".

Scroll down to see more nostalgic images of Leigh over the decades

Echo: Before it became part of Southend - Leigh Broadway in the early 1900sBefore it became part of Southend - Leigh Broadway in the early 1900s (Image: Newsquest)Echo: Shopping choice - Leigh in 1980Shopping choice - Leigh in 1980 (Image: Newsquest)

Echo: The way it was - Leigh in 1981The way it was - Leigh in 1981 (Image: Newsquest)

Echo: Fast track - a passing train in 1986Fast track - a passing train in 1986 (Image: Newsquest)Echo: Missing shop - the missing 19 Leigh Broadway as it was in 1978Missing shop - the missing 19 Leigh Broadway as it was in 1978 (Image: Newsquest)

Echo: Celebration - new shops behind the Carlton pub in 1984Celebration - new shops behind the Carlton pub in 1984 (Image: Newsquest)