Wigan

Wigan is a town and metropolitan borough located in Greater Manchester, northwestern England. Historically, Wigan was known for its coal mining and cotton manufacturing industries, which were significant from the 16th century onwards and accelerated with industrialization due to canals and railways.1

While textile production has ceased and the last coal mine closed in 1993, Wigan has since diversified its economy with new industries such as food processing, paper and packaging, and engineering. The borough encompasses the towns of Wigan and Leigh, along with surrounding suburban and rural areas. As of 2011, the town had a population of over 103,000, and the metropolitan borough had over 317,000 residents.1