Inside Greater Manchester's 'most desirable village' with secret underground tunnel and a 'haunted' pub

manchestereveningnews.co.uk:

A small village in Wigan is having its moment in the spotlight.

Haigh was named Greater Manchester's 'most desirable' rural haven by the Daily Telegraph, just months after it was dubbed the region's 'poshest' village. The list was compiled from research by estate agents Savills, who say demand for quaint, rural village locations is soaring - pushing up prices in the process.

Visitors flock to the area's quaint pubs and stunning surroundings, as well as the village's historic buildings. Most will know Haigh for it's beautiful country park, home to the magnificent Haigh Hall. But locals told the Manchester Evening News that there was much more to smile about in the area.

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Sharon and Carl Connolly manage The Balcarres Arms, the pub in the heart of the village. They said their favourite aspect is the community, and it's long and fascinating history.

The pair turned their hand to helping their community when they were forced to shut their pub during lockdown. Their walls now boast a host of community awards for their efforts, which saw them provide over 300 food parcels, 330 Christmas Eve boxes, and 440 gifts for children throughout the pandemic.

"The people here are lovely," Carl told the MEN. "The pub has become a community. That's our favourite thing about living here. We all work together."

But the pub also has a fascinating history - their cellars used to be prison cells from around 1800, and there is even an old underground tunnel leading to the church across the road. Carl said he could talk for hours about the pub's 'haunted' past - a history they take advantage of by holding 'Psychic nights' for customers.

When they make it out the