Ambitious plans which could 'transform' Ormskirk town centre have been revealed.
Consultations will begin this summer about the proposed £750,000 worth of improvements, including changing the layout of the popular outdoor market, resurfacing Moor Street and a £30,000 revamp of the town's ancient Christmas lights.
As part of the project, to be jointly funded by the County Council and Conservative controlled West Lancs Borough Council, there are also plans to provide new children's play areas and paths in Ormskirk.
Councillor David Westley said : "The outdoor market currently faces in on itself with the stalls facing away from the shops.
"Under the new plans the layout would be changed with the stalls facing the shops and a main passageway in the middle."
He claimed that Ormskirk 'is a vibrant market town with a very successful and popular market' and the new layout would enhance that.
“We are also hopeful that after the resurfacing Moor Street will make it far more attractive and that renovating it will give it a distinct ‘roadway' and we'll be improving traffic regulations to stop drivers using it," he went on.
Both he and Councillor David O'Toole put forward the plans a year ago, but there have been delays in exploring what was happening under Moor Street, for example with telephone equipment and utilities cavities which led to complications.
He added: "“We want to completely revamp the Christmas lights. We are hoping to swap the traditional over-the-road lights for ones that light up the trees like in Southport and we plan to spend £30,000 on this."
There are also plans to spend £50,000 on a play area for younger children in Coronation Park.
”We have worked closely with 'Love Ormskirk' in the past and will continue to work with them.
“As well as the £750,000 for the project, we also have an additional half a million pounds that the Borough Council has allocated for town centre and village improvements.
”We are planning to create new paths around Churchfields off Country Road, all the way around and along Hurlston Brook, and through the park.
“The project should make a big difference and we are hoping that the improvements will bring more people to Ormskirk.
”The cost of parking in the town has only gone up by 10% in the last 10 years so it is still relatively cheap to visit and it also has a vibrant night-time economy.
“These plans are subject to consultation, which should go out soon from the County Council, and will be held this June and July.”
Promoted by Graham Jones on behalf WLCA 72C New Court Way, Ormskirk, Lancs L39 2YT.