Atherton
General: Atherton is a thriving town situated 2 miles north of Leigh and 5 miles east of Wigan. With a past history associated with coal mining, cotton and iron works, the town now has a population of 20,000+ and has developed into a retail centre. Atherton is a town of great character boasting various terraced housing near the town centre and modern housing developments across the outskirts.
Location: Atherton is situated on the A579 Bolton to Leigh road and the A577 also runs through the town connecting to Wigan. The town is an ideal location for commuters with excellent rail links from Atherton train station into Manchester, Southport and Wigan via the Northern Rail service. Atherton is also well connected with an extensive bus service which includes:
- No 516 South Lancs Travel - between Leigh, Horwich & Westhoughton
- No 25 & 39 First Manchester - between Manchester & Leigh
- No 582 First Manchester - between Leigh & Bolton
- No 32 & 33 Stagecoach – between Wigan & Manchester
Healthcare: Doctors available at various surgeries throughout Atherton including:
- 7 Brooks Medical Centre, Church Street - 01942 873533
- Beefold Medical Centre, Beefold Lane – 01942 876011
Opticians, dentists and pharmacies are also widely available throughout Atherton.
Education: There is a good selection of schooling within Atherton itself including:
St Michael’s CE Primary, Chowbent Primary, Meadowbank Primary, St Philip’s CE Primary, St Richard’s Roman Catholic Primary, Hesketh Fletcher CE High & Park Lee Community School.
Local facilities: Atherton has an excellent selection of shops, restaurants, pubs, banks, post offices and bars. It is well served by supermarkets with Tesco on Crabtree Lane, Asda on Bolton Road and Lidl on Tyldesley Road. Atherton contains many Victorian style shops, a small pedestrian shopping centre and is also home to Ena Mill – a converted fashion/homeware store.
Leisure: Atherton possesses excellent leisure facilities including Howe Bridge Sports Centre on Eckersley Fold Lane with swimming pool, sports courts and gym available. Atherton is also conveniently located near to Leigh Sports Village. The town also boasts a Ladies gym, Fit n Funky, and an indoor karting centre. The town is also home to Atherton Colleries AFC and Atherton Town FC.
Local authority: Wigan Council.