News that a new bar might be opening in Ormskirk town centre has prompted a bitter response from some locals.

One wondered if the town had now reached saturation point with its bars and night time economy after plans were revealed to convert the former DP shop on Moor St.

Another said: "We don't want Ormskirk to be something out of Benidorm", referring to the hit TV show.

The new 'Townhouse' will open seven days a week offering live music and sports along with a cocktail menu, wine selection and draught beers.

Ormskirk's Kevin Midgley is launching the bar alongside business partners Gary and Ste. Wynne, planning to create a venue similar to the two he already runs in Liverpool city centre - 54 degrees and Ink Bar.

Licensing and planning applications have been submitted to the council and, if approved in time, the trio hope to open for the first when lockdown restrictions are lifted on June 21.

Kevin said: “I’m from Ormskirk and live in Ormskirk. I use the town centre, saw the site and thought that could be perfect.

“There’ll be nice cocktails, beers and wine, we’ll show live music, a bit of sport, just nice and easy, attracting an over 21 crowd.

“There’ll be a couple of booths, loose furniture, we’re just going nice and easy.”

There are plans for another new bar to open next to The Green Room, too which is a few minute's walk from the old DP shop.

No mater what residents want or the town needs this development will just be rubber stamped which has been the norm for many years. Yet again a kick in the teeth for local residents. Then only priority for WLBC is keeping the needs of the University before the needs and development of the Town and local residents. Anything coming free in the town is turned into a bar or student accommodation. Poor old Ormskirk is now firmly in the hands of those that simply don’t give a stuff about the town or residential needs.

Originally Posted by reevsy

No mater what residents want or the town needs this development will just be rubber stamped which has been the norm for many years. Yet again a kick in the teeth for local residents. Then only priority for WLBC is keeping the needs of the University before the needs and development of the Town and local residents. Anything coming free in the town is turned into a bar or student accommodation. Poor old Ormskirk is now firmly in the hands of those that simply don’t give a stuff about the town or residential needs.

oh look everyone Peter is back and his pathetic obsession with Edge Hill has returned with him.

I would like to see the evidence and statistics that you are using Peter which clearly state that every bar in the town is only frequented by students. Because you are suggesting that local residents don’t use or want these bars. Yet they are consistently full of residents. Bit strange that isn’t it? It’s almost as if....your irrational hatred of students is completely unjustified.

I have to say this story made me chuckle - what exactly is 'loose furniture'? Does that mean it'll be falling apart at the seams? And what's with the repeated 'nice and easy' description???

What a surprise also to see Mr Reeves pop up out of his springtime slumbers to comment on this... Did you not spot the owner's reference Reevsy to wanting to attract an 'over 21 crowd'?

I just find it interesting how you equate licensed premises to somehow always being related to Edge Hill. Are local residents not allowed to go for a drink these days?

Originally Posted by reevsy

No mater what residents want or the town needs this development will just be rubber stamped which has been the norm for many years. Yet again a kick in the teeth for local residents. Then only priority for WLBC is keeping the needs of the University before the needs and development of the Town and local residents. Anything coming free in the town is turned into a bar or student accommodation. Poor old Ormskirk is now firmly in the hands of those that simply don’t give a stuff about the town or residential needs.

it’s not the councils fault that the high street is changing, people are not spending their money in the shops otherwise these units wouldn’t be empty in the first place. Are they supposed to let them stay empty or let them have another use and generate income into the local economy? I’m sorry it’s not 1980 anymore but people’s shopping habits have changed, in another 20/30 years it will all have changed again no doubt, you can’t live in the past wishing things were the same as they used to be, it’s amazing how nostalgia makes us look at the past with rose tinted glasses.
Not sure what Edge Hill have to do with this…local people also like to go out in an evening and enjoy a selection of food and drink, the selection in Ormskirk is the best it has ever been (as long as we ignore Wetherspoons)

I can also assure that Local people do enjoy the Court Leet
I agree with all of your post apart from that narrow minded view
There has to be balance, and cross section for all, inc the ones who cannot
afford £3.80 a Pint and more.... £2.15 I paid for an excellent pint of Peerless Triple
Blond, in great condition just last week. We love the Tap Room and don't mind paying extra to such a great little bar, likewise the Cricketers. There is a place for all of our establishments.
As for the Green Room , it will be an extension next door and not a "New " bar.
If this new bar has live music then good ,there is not much competition at all in the town as it will be some time before the Tap Room can have some on , which is a great shame.

Originally Posted by Ormyboy

I can also assure that Local people do enjoy the Court Leet
I agree with all of your post apart from that narrow minded view
There has to be balance, and cross section for all, inc the ones who cannot
afford £3.80 a Pint and more.... £2.15 I paid for an excellent pint of Peerless Triple
Blond, in great condition just last week. We love the Tap Room and don't mind paying extra to such a great little bar, likewise the Cricketers. There is a place for all of our establishments.
As for the Green Room , it will be an extension next door and not a "New " bar.
If this new bar has live music then good ,there is not much competition at all in the town as it will be some time before the Tap Room can have some on , which is a great shame.

…I was being a bit tongue in cheek with my Wetherspoons comment (more to do with my general dislike for the chains owner Tim Martin) agreed everything has its place and you need something for everyone. The range of bars/pubs in Ormskirk really is excellent, Tap Room is unique and a credit to the town (the live music will indeed be missed), Green Room, Mylo, Alpine, the Buck has been brought back to life, Post Office and the Court Leet all have something different. Things evolve, places come and go, some town centres are like ghost towns… people should be thankful that Ormskirk is keeping its head above the water.

I am really looking forward to seeing how this cocktail bar looks. Really hoping there is reference to the king’s Arms, on the cellar of which it stands. I remember the opening day of the Dorothy Perkins extension in the late 1970s and how busy that day was, extending into the adjacent unit. Yes the high street has changed, the pandemic accelerated that change by around 5 years I reckon. This bar is going to be for local residents more than the 18-21 year old transient student population. Good luck to the local team that has faith in our community to embark on this adventure.