Independent chair appointed to lead £20m investment in Marsh Green and Laithwaite

Independent chair appointed to lead £20m investment in Marsh Green and Laithwaite

An experienced family lawyer with strong links to the local area has been appointed to chair the board set to oversee £20m of government-funded investment into Marsh Green and Laithwaite over the next decade.

Chris Fairhurst, whose maternal grandparents were among the first residents of Norley Hall, has been appointed to the role and will help to deliver the Pride in Place funding.

The investment is set to benefit residents in Marsh Green and Laithwaite, Norley Hall and Worsley Hall, as well as Kitt Green and Robin Park – and what it’s spent on will be decided by local people.

Chris, who is well known for his approachable style and ability to bring people together around common objectives, said: “Back in the ‘50s, my grandparents became part of a close-knit and proud neighbourhood which helped to shape the area’s strong identity – and their passion and pride for this area is something I have carried throughout my life and career.

I strongly believe that people living and working locally should be at the centre of decisions affecting their community and shape the future of the area.

My priority as the Pride in Place project progresses is to ensure that local voices are heard, opportunities are maximised and investment directed towards initiatives that deliver meaningful and long-lasting benefits for current and future generations.”

Wigan MP and secretary of state for culture, media and sport, Lisa Nandy MP, said: “Chris will be an excellent Chair for the Pride in Place Board. He has contributed to all of the communities set to benefit from Pride in Place and has a strong family connection to Norley Hall. With him as Chair we will ensure local residents get to decide where and how we invest in order to shape the future of their own communities.” 

Councillor Chris Ready, cabinet member for neighbourhoods at Wigan Council, added: “Chris brings with him a wealth of knowledge, experience and passion for the areas within the Marsh Green and Laithwaite Pride in Place boundary.

We couldn’t be prouder to have him at the helm of this decade-long project, helping to guide the neighbourhood board through what is a brilliant opportunity for community-led decision making - a programme of work which aligns perfectly with our Progress with Unity ambitions for the borough.”

Pride in Place is funded by UK Government. Visit Pride in Place - March Green to find out more and share your views in a survey.