West Lancashire Borough Council’s Conservative Cabinet last night (Tuesday, March 18) approved a £105,000 cash injection for Ormskirk and Westhead public open space.
Section 106 monies from developer contributions in Derby Ward will now be used for improvements to Hurlston Brook and new wildflower meadow signage in Coronation Park (£10,000), a new footpath around the Churchfields site in Ormskirk (£25,000), enhanced play facilities and a new wooded area in Westhead Village (£60,000), and small-scale improvements at open spaces in Nursery Avenue and Thompson Avenue, Ormskirk (£5,000 for each site).
Derby Ward Conservative Cllr Paul Greenall said: “It’s great news the Conservative Cabinet has approved these plans. The proposals have strong backing from local residents and will do much to improve the area.”
Knowsley Ward Conservative candidate Edward McCarthy said: “This news demonstrates that, by working closely with residents, local Conservatives continue to deliver real improvements for our area.”
Conservative Cabinet Member for Leisure and Derby Ward Councillor David Sudworth said: “I am pleased once again that this Conservative council is bringing projects forward to improve public open spaces in Ormskirk and Westhead.
“With the expansion of Edge Hill, and new housing on the old hospital and Atkinson Kirby sites on Wigan Road, Derby Ward has seen a number of developments in recent years. It’s therefore only right that monies generated from such developments are ploughed back into the local community to benefit the local community.
"This Conservative council has already approved a number of projects, such as improvements to Ruff Woods, at Victoria Park on St Helens Road and investment towards new bowling greens on land next to Ormskirk Cricket Club and, along with residents, I look forward to seeing them coming to fruition.”