Friends of Westlake

Friends of Westlake Hindley Green Wigan
We are a local group of volunteers that care about Westlake.

Westlake is a beauty spot locally known as "The Clayhole".This lake was the by product of the local brick making industry from many years ago.Our aim is to preserve the beauty of the lake for the enjoyment of all residents of Hindley Green.
The lake is situated on the junction of Swan Lane and Green Lane, Hindley Green Wigan.

Westlake is a habitat for numerous species of birds, geese, ducks and swans and is also used by anglers, walkers and children who play on its park.
The lake is surrounded by a hard surface walkway and is ideal for walkers and is suitable for disabled wheelchairs and prams.
There are numerous benches around the lake where people can relax and enjoy the pleasant surroundings.
 

(A Brief History)
Hindley Green was an area where sand and clay were extracted for the brick making industry.
In the locality were quite a few brick yards. E Johnson, Jacksons, John Wild and the Hindley Plastic Brick Co.

It is believed that WestLake "The Clayhole" was a place where clay was removed to manufacture bricks for use in the mining industry, the brick works was situated just to the north of the water. The land in this area of Hindley Green in 1844 was known as Hindley Common.
There is an area at top of Leigh Rd/Atherton Rd that was locally known as "Top er't Sonds".
Literally "The Top of the Sands".

It is said that the Hindley in Hindley Green was named after the deer that roamed around this area.
Hence, Hind Lea and on the Hindley coat of Arms is a female deer.
Fokelore says that the hind was from Hindley and the hart was from Hart Common, to the north of Hindley Green. How true this is, is any ones guess.
Hindley Green stretches from Park Rd, Hindley along Atherton Rd to Carr Common (old name, Cow Common) and from Smiths Lane to Alder Lane, (old name, Owder Lane)