Council makes key decisions to support the Borough's economy

• Funding agreed to help Motorfest
• Free parking trial approved to start later in the year
• Both actions will bring economic benefits to the Borough

West Lancashire Borough Council is constantly working on ambitious plans to regenerate West Lancashire and has made important decisions that will help boost the local economy.

The Cabinet has agreed to provide £7,610 funding to Aintree Circuit Club to support Motorfest 2022 and help it go ahead on Sunday 28 August.

The event, which has not taken place since 2019 due to the pandemic, is one of the biggest free family events in the North West and previously attracted tens of thousands of visitors to the Borough.

Councillor Yvonne Gagen, Leader of the Council and portfolio holder for Regeneration, said "The funding is in line with what we have supported the Circuit Club with in the past. We need to support such events which are good for the local economy and are delighted to work with our partners in this way.

"Supporting our businesses to adapt and prosper is a key aim in the Council's Vision and Priorities. Continuing to help Motorfest and introducing a free parking trial for Ormskirk town centre are just two ways the Council can support the economic benefits to our communities."

The free parking initiative proposed by Councillor Adrian Owens and Our West Lancashire as part of the 2022-23 budget setting process, will also move forward. The trial initiative that has been approved will see up to two hours free car parking in selected town centre car parks after 1pm on Mondays and Tuesdays.

The new tariff will be introduced at Wheatsheaf Walks, Park Pool, Park Road, The Stiles and Hutton Way car parks for a one-year trial period to monitor the success of the scheme. Residents and visitors will still require a free ticket from the car park machines to ensure they can benefit from the scheme without incurring any enforcement fees.

The trial will commence once the Bus Station car park is returned to service, which is anticipated towards the end of December 2022.

The free parking offer will help encourage visitors to come into Ormskirk and the Council continues to make it easier for people to cycle and walk into Ormskirk. This includes turning the footpath between Ormskirk Bus and Train stations into a shared use footpath and cycleway and works planned as part of the Ormskirk Eastern Gateway Project.