Wigmore, Luton
For other locations called Wigmore see Wigmore.
Coordinates: 51°53′28″N 0°22′01″W / 51.891°N 0.367°W
Wigmore is a ward and residential area in Luton, Bedfordshire, England.
Prior to development, the area now known as Wigmore was mainly farmland, with few scattered residential houses. It was not until the 1970s when extensive development began, consisting mostly of suburban low-density residential housing. The 1980s saw further development, as the estate now stretches from the original eastern edge of Luton to the county border and the population increased to over 10,000.
Luton's largest and easternmost ward, Wigmore features the majority of Luton Borough's border with the neighbouring county of Hertfordshire, with nearby villages across the border including Cockernhoe, Tea Green and Ley Green.
Wigmore Lane, the main road through the area, is the home to Luton's only Asda supermarket, the Wigmore Place retail area, the Wigmore House offices and a number smaller chain stores and independent shops.
London Luton Airport
Wigmore is notable for its proximity to London Luton Airport, one of the busiest airports in the United Kingdom. Despite being located directly next to the airport, Wigmore suffers from little aircraft noise due to not being on the flight path and the nearby green space Wigmore Park acting as a buffer zone.
London Luton Airport's growth in recent years spawned proposals to purchase and demolish homes in southern Wigmore to construct a second runway north of the current one. However, the Airport authority withdrew this plan in favour of one to develop without the need for an additional or extended runway.
Politics
Wigmore is represented by Cllr Peter Chapman (Liberal Democrats), Cllr Diane Moles (Liberal Democrats) and Cllr Alan Skepelhorn (Liberal Democrats). The ward forms part of the parliamentary constituency of Luton South, and the MP is Gavin Shuker (Labour). Wigmore is situated within the East of England (European Parliament constituency).
Local Newspapers
Two weekly newspapers are delivered free to all the houses in Wigmore. However they are not specific to Wigmore. They are:
- Luton & Dunstable Express- Delivered every Wednesday
- Herald and Post - Delivered every Thursday