Community projects given £1.2m cash boost

Community projects including revamping play areas and leisure facilities across part of Lancashire have been given a £1.2m funding boost.

West Lancashire Borough Council's policy and resources committee agreed to allocate the cash to 13 schemes after a public consultation.

Among them was almost £700,000 for canal towpath improvements between Burscough and Parbold, £48,750 to restore Ormskirk's Grade II-listed clock tower ahead of this year's 150-year anniversary and £90,000 to West Lancashire Light Railway Trust for a community building.

Gareth Dowling, the council's deputy leader, said the authority was pleased to fund "these excellent projects to improve facilities and add value to our communities".

Dowling, who is lead member for planning and community safety, said: "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."

He added: "I look forward to seeing the projects come to fruition over the next few years as our residents begin to enjoy their many benefits."

Listen to the best of BBC Radio Lancashire on Sounds and follow BBC Lancashire on Facebook, X and Instagram. You can also send story ideas via Whatsapp to 0808 100 2230.