Ormskirk town centre is looking more welcoming in the run up to the acclaimed 'Love Your Local Market' as red, white and blue bunting has been put up by the Borough Council in Moor Street and Burscough Street prior to the celebrations taking place on 25 May and 27 May.

And QLocal's learnt the Council intends to leave the bunting in place over the summer and to put additional bunting in other streets as there will be other events in the town centre, including Ormskirk MotorFest.

A Council PR officer told QLocal yesterday: "Several retailers and visitors to the town centre have given very positive feedback about the bunting, commenting how it "lifts" the town centre and contributes to the appearance and atmosphere of Ormskirk."

And there are more changes afoot, too in the centuries old market, QLocal can reveal; the Council's purchased a small number of gazebos for use at special events and seasonal specialist markets, thought to be similar to those pictured in Southport's town centre market last week.

Added the PR officer: "We will be trialing them at the weekly market and are considering using them, as many other market operators do, in appropriate locations at the market.

"No decision has been made in relation to this but, following the conclusion of the trial and a full consultation with traders, consideration will then be given to extending their use on the market, if deemed appropriate.

"The gazebo type stalls provide the same covered area as the current standard stalls, and are fitted with an attached cover and close fitting side covers which provide better weather protection than the current stall covers," he claimed.