did romans ever settle in the town before?
Yes, In the 1st century, the area was conquered by the Romans.
Wigan
In the 1st century, the area was conquered by the Romans. 
where is wigan on the map of england On the main western north-south highway with distance markers to Preston and Warrington. is it a city? No, but a large town.
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Wigan [SEP] Romans
In the 1st century, the area was conquered by the Romans. The late 2nd-century Antonine Itinerary mentions a Roman settlement called "Coccium" from the Roman fort at Manchester (Mamucium) and from the fort at Ribchester (Bremetennacum). Although the distances are slightly out, it has been assumed that Coccium is Roman Wigan. Possible derivations of Coccium include from the Latin "coccum", meaning "scarlet in colour, scarlet cloth", or from "cocus", meaning "cook". Over the years chance finds (coins and pottery) provided clear indications that a Roman settlement existed at Wigan, although its size and status remained unknown. In 2005 investigations ahead of the Grand Arcade development, and in 2008 at the Joint Service Centre development, have proven that Wigan was a significant Roman site in the late first and second centuries AD.