Council approves £100,000 to restore historic town centre ginnels

West Lancashire councillors approve a £100,000 grant for the Ormskirk Community Partnership to restore the town’s historic ginnels believed to reflect medieval street patterns.

The exciting heritage initiative is set to take a major step forward enabling significant improvements to these much‑loved passageways, including repairs, enhanced lighting, and work to better showcase Ormskirk’s rich history to residents and visitors.

The project aims not only to improve the physical environment of the ginnels but also to deepen public engagement with Ormskirk’s cultural heritage.

The restoration project is expected to launch this July during the town’s annual Gingerbread Festival. The timing aligns with major local anniversaries, including the 150th anniversary of the iconic Ormskirk Clock Tower and the 740th anniversary of the historic market, creating a range of opportunities to highlight the restored ginnels’ significance. While the clock tower itself has already been allocated nearly £50,000 towards removal of vegetation, re-pointing, re-painting and mortar repairs, amongst other things ahead of its anniversary.

The initiative is also expected to involve local heritage groups such as the Ormskirk Heritage Hub and the Ormskirk and District Family History Society, both of which regularly participate in September’s heritage open days. Their involvement would help broaden the project’s reach and ensure the town’s layered history is shared with diverse audiences.

Councillor Gareth Dowling, Lead Member for Planning and Community Safety said: "This project has been in the works for some time so I am pleased to unlock the funding to improve Ormskirk Town Centre.

"This investment demonstrates our commitment to strengthening Ormskirk’s unique character, making the town centre an even more welcoming place for residents and visitors. These ginnels are an important part of our medieval street pattern and local identity, and this project will not only restore and illuminate them but also shine a light on the stories that make Ormskirk special.

"With a year of significant milestones ahead, this project arrives at the perfect moment to help bring Ormskirk's history to life. It will also create opportunities for community events and heritage activities that strengthen local pride and sense of place. I look forward to seeing the benefits it brings to Ormskirk’s town centre."

"I want to place on record my significant thanks to all at Ormskirk Community Partnership with whom we've worked closely to bring forward these plans and funding and in particular to Dave Mutch, Irene Slack and John Lloyd who have spearheaded this work on behalf of OCP and I've met with on behalf of the Council, it is yet another example of OCP delivering for our town.

"We hope this will continue to build on our approach to promoting our heritage and culture, particularly on the back of our work launching The Spark's cultural engagement programme, a key aspect of our new Heritage, Culture and Arts Strategy for the Borough."