As of tomorrow (Tuesday April 1st), businesses which occupy premises with a rateable value of less than £50,000 a year will be able to apply for a £1,000 discount in each of the next two years.
Local Conservatives have also announced measures to help fill empty shops. This will see rates being cut by 50% for qualifying retail businesses who occupy units which have been empty for a year or more.
Conservative regeneration cabinet member Cllr Adrian Owens said: &q uot;These measures give direct help to our high street businesses. Labour's recession hit local firms hard and we are determined to do all we can to help them bounce back. Along with our planned improvements in Moor Street, Ormskirk, investment in Burscough and our ambitions for Skelmersdale town centre, this shows that local Conservatives are right behind our local shops and businesses."
Ormskirk's Knowsley Ward Conservative candidate Edward McCarthy welcomed the announcement: "This is yet more positive news for Ormskirk town centre from the Conservative council. While Labour tried to cut funding to Motorfest and have dragged their heels over the Moor Street proposals, Conservatives have demonstrated a real commitment to directly help our local businesses in Ormskirk."
Derby Ward Conservative Cllr Paul Greenall added: "My colleagues and I have spoken to a number of shoppers and business owners, and they gave this their 100% backing. Alongside the £120,000 investment in car park improvements, the guaranteed three year funding for Ormskirk Motorfest, and the plans for Moor Street, local Conservatives have led the way in ensuring Ormskirk remains a vibrant place to work and visit."
CAPTION: Cllr Paul Greenall (left) and Edward McCarthy (right) with Julian Thomas, of CT World computer shop on Church Street, Ormskirk, welcoming the plans.