A �350m regeneration project to revamp a west Lancashire town centre has moved a step closer after being approved by the local council. West Lancashire District Council has backed the plans for Skelmersdale which would see a bus station, new shops and bars in the town centre. A public consultation earlier revealed most locals were in favour of the plan. However 189 homes in Firbeck and Findon would have to be demolished, which has upset some people in the area. Alternative accommodation The six-week consultation period involved a newsletter and questionnaire being sent to every house in the town together with a special exhibition also being put on display. More than two-thirds of those who offered their views - 1,879 people - backed the proposals. A total of 68% of those who completed questionnaires were in favour of demolishing the Firbeck estate, providing residents were fully compensated and given alternative accommodation options. Councillor Adrian Owens from West Lancashire District Council, said: "The Cabinet has now approved the masterplan and this is a huge step forward for Skelmersdale. "It means that the blueprint is in place for the future shape of the town centre and the developer can now go ahead and develop detailed proposals prior to submitting a planning application."
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