Leigh has a rich industrial history, particularly in coal mining and cotton milling during the 19th and early 20th centuries. The town experienced significant growth and development during the Industrial Revolution. However, like many industrial towns, Leigh faced economic challenges in the latter half of the 20th century with the decline of traditional industries.

Some points of interest in and around Leigh include:

Pennington Flash Country Park: A local nature reserve and country park, Pennington Flash offers recreational activities such as walking, cycling, and bird watching. It has a large lake and diverse wildlife.

Leigh Sports Village: This complex includes a sports stadium, leisure center, and retail park. It serves as the home stadium for Leigh Centurions, a rugby league team, and has hosted various events and concerts.

Leigh town center: The town center has a mix of retail and commercial establishments, providing shopping and dining options for residents and visitors.

Historic Buildings: Leigh has some historic buildings, including the parish church of St. Mary the Virgin and the Turnpike Centre, which was originally a toll house.

It's advisable to check more recent sources for the latest information on Leigh, as there may have been changes or developments in the area since my last update.