In a disturbing turn of events, Wigan Council has reported recurring incidents of anti-social behaviour, drug use, and alcohol consumption at the memorial site dedicated to Lauren Pilkington-Smith, a 10-year-old girl who was tragically murdered in 2005.
The memorial, known as Lauren’s Corner, is located in a densely wooded area off Sanderson Street and Twist Lane in Leigh, Greater Manchester. Over the past several months, the council has received numerous complaints from concerned residents and visitors about the disruptive activities taking place at the site, causing great distress to the community.
To address the situation, the council has taken action to thin out the surrounding trees, making the area less secluded and less desirable for illicit activities. This move aims to deter the unruly behaviour and help residents feel safer when visiting the memorial.
Lauren’s body was found on 8 July 2005, approximately 200 yards (183m) from her home on Twist Lane, near the banks of the Bridgewater Canal. Her parents, Alison Pilkington-Smith and Glen Smith, described her as their “beautiful, lovely little girl” and a “tomboy who loved playing with her friends.”
The memorial for Lauren was unveiled the following year, serving as a poignant reminder of the young life that was tragically cut short. However, the recent incidents of anti-social behaviour have cast a dark shadow over the sacred space, deeply troubling the local community.
Wigan Council has expressed its commitment to addressing the issue and ensuring the memorial site remains a place of solace and remembrance for Lauren and her loved ones. By taking steps to clear the wooded area and make it less conducive to illicit activities, the council hopes to restore a sense of safety and respect for the hallowed ground.
As the community grapples with this distressing situation, the hope is that the memorial will once again become a peaceful sanctuary where Lauren’s memory can be honoured without disruption or desecration.
