Communities across West Lancashire are celebrating after the Conservative-run West Lancashire Borough Council announced a funding package worth more than £40,000.
Residents and families in Up Holland, Ormskirk, Parbold and Appley Bridge will benefit from the cash boost for local projects. The money was agreed at a meeting of Conservative Cabinet and comes from Section 106 agreements signed by housing developers which is then in turn used to enhance public open space and recreation areas across West Lancs.
In Parbold, £9,800 will be given to Parbold Parish Council for improvements to the drainage at Alder Lane Playing Fields.
Parbold Conservative Borough Councillor May Blake said: “The area is a vital facility, used by local football teams but also as a recreation area for villagers and visitors to the area so this money is very much welcome.”
West End Park in Scott Ward, Ormskirk, will receive £2,000 for new trees and shrubs and improvements to the landscaping. The park has recently benefited from new play facilities and the scheme will make it even more attractive for visitors.
Scott Ward Conservative David Meadows said: “The Conservative council has invested heavily in Scott Ward over the past few years after years of neglect by the previous Labour administration.”
Appley Bridge Football Club will receive £10,000 towards a new drainage system at the ground in Appley Lane South.
Local Conservative Councillor Pam Baybutt said: “This is fantastic news. The scheme will include new drains on the main pitch as well as mini pitch used by junior players. The site is also used as open space and a play area by the local community, and is a valuable community asset.”
And in Up Holland, up to £20,000 will be spent on access improvements to Dean Wood by improving bridges and paths throughout the site.
Up Holland Conservative Councillor Ruth Pollock said: “This is a very important local site and is very much valued by Up Holland residents.
“The Conservative council has once again shown its commitment to Up Holland by investing in what is an open space offering informal recreation and a habitat for wildlife.”
Conservative Leisure spokesman Cllr Andrew Fowler concluded: “As a Conservative council, we are committed to investing in communities right across the Borough. By improving facilities for our communities we can encourage more people to enjoy the great outdoors and get fit and healthy for free.”