Wednesday, January 7, 2026

Council approves major funding to enhance local infrastructure and community facilities

West Lancashire Borough Council's Policy & Resources Committee has agreed to allocate £1.29m of funding across thirteen projects following a round of public consultation.

Together, these projects will enhance over 2.8 miles of towpaths, restore the famous Ormskirk Clock Tower ahead of its 150-year anniversary in 2026, upgrade play and sports facilities for hundreds of families and create new green spaces and heritage improvements that will benefit residents right across West Lancashire.

Thirteen projects have secured funding to be delivered in 2026 to 2028 following an extensive public consultation to ensure the projects reflect local priorities. These are:

  • Burscough to Parbold towpath improvements (Canal and River Trust) - £683,875
  • West Lancashire Light Railway Y Caban multipurpose building (West Lancashire Light Railway Trust) - £90,200
  • Rufford Recreation Ground Play Area Safety Upgrade (Rufford Parish Council) - £12,660
  • Burscough Community Orchard (Burscough Town Council) - £17,916
  • Parbold Memorial Stone (Parbold Memorial Stone Committee) - £3,250
  • Ormskirk Town Centre Access Restriction Measures (WLBC Economic Regeneration) - £79,200
  • Wigan Road, Ormskirk Bus Stop enhancements (Lancashire County Council) - £48,500
  • St Helens Road, Edge Hill University, Ormskirk Bus Stop enhancements (Lancashire County Council) - £48,500
  • Ormskirk Clock Tower Repairs and Maintenance (WLBC Economic Regeneration) - £48,750
  • Whittle Drive Pitch developments (Ormskirk West End Football Club) - £31,304
  • Whittle Drive Changing Facilities renovations (WLBC Leisure) - £100,000
  • Waterworks Road Public Right of Way (Lancashire County Council) - £42,300
  • Long Hey Kickabout Area, Skelmersdale (WLBC Ranger Service) - £15,000 of Neighbourhood CIL monies, £30,750 of Strategic CIL and £45,000 of Section 106 monies (total £90,750)

Councillor Gareth Dowling, Deputy Leader and Lead Member for Planning and Community Safety, said: "We are pleased to have approved the allocation of almost £1.3m worth of Community funding for these excellent projects to improve facilities and add value to our communities across West Lancashire.

“Improvements to our green infrastructure such as open spaces, footpaths and play areas, will encourage, enable and promote walking and cycling as well as improving accessibility for everyone who wishes to enjoy our beautiful borough.

“I’m delighted to see we are continuing in our pursuit to have a fully accessible canal towpath right across the borough for residents to enjoy and drive tourism and inward investment.

“We’re investing in play areas across Ormskirk, Skelmersdale and Rufford as well as improving the safety of Ormskirk town centre through additional vehicle restrictions in the pedestrianised area. And I'm pleased to finally be able to fund the upgrade of bus stops by the hospital.

“The funding will also help to preserve some of our most treasured local heritage assets for current and future generations. I look forward to seeing the projects come to fruition over the next few years as our residents begin to enjoy their many benefits."