Green Light for key part of West Lancashire Linear Park Project

Finance for the construction of a key part of the Ormskirk to Burscough Linear Park has now been given the go ahead after Cabinet agreed to use £364,200 of Community Infrastructure Levy and Section 106 monies to support this vital infrastructure project.

The Ormskirk to Burscough Linear Park is a strategic transport and green infrastructure improvement as the shared cycle and footpath provides both sustainable transport and biodiversity enhancements along the former railway line corridor between Ormskirk and Burscough.

The project will have positive effects on the environment for Ormskirk, Burscough and the wider Borough through reducing congestion and greenhouse gas emissions, while improving air quality as people change from using cars to more active forms of travel. The scheme will also encourage healthier lifestyle choices for those travelling between Ormskirk and Burscough.

After moving the report at Cabinet last night, Deputy Leader and portfolio holder for Planning and Community Safety Cllr Gareth Dowling said: "The provision of the Ormskirk to Burscough linear park, and other linear parks in the borough has been a long held ambition for the council, and we continue to make progress on its delivery. 

"Securing the finance to provide this park is just the next step in ensuring we follow through on our commitment, and we look forward to soon having safe, alternative, off-highway passage between Ormskirk and Burscough, providing walkers, cyclists, wheelchair and mobility aid users with a scenic commute between the two towns and access to their shops, cafes and local amenities.

"I'm delighted we have been able to finance this through the monies this council takes from developers where new housing has been delivered."

Economic Regeneration and Finance portfolio holder, Councillor Rob Molloy, said: "We know that climate change is a huge concern for our residents. We're committed to helping West Lancashire become a more sustainable borough and backing projects such as the Ormskirk to Burscough Linear Park show how we're delivering on that front.

"We want to encourage residents to walk and cycle more, not only for the environment, but for their own health and wellbeing. It's vital that when they choose a more sustainable approach to travel, they have access to safe, high-quality, connected routes that make cycling and walking around the Borough more attractive and viable - this important scheme delivers on all fronts."