Ormskirk town centre's getting gates put in place to ensure that only pedestrians can access the town centre from the three main entrances between the times of 10am and 4pm.

The County Council introduced traffic restrictions into the area, following concerns by shops and shoppers that traffic movements were becoming dangerous. Since the restrictions began - and despite regular visits by traffic wardens - motorists and especially van drivers have been abusing the situation.

County Cllr. Nikki Hennessy told QLocal this weekend: "I can announce that local people will now be consulted on gates for Ormskirk town centre, which will be put in place to ensure that only pedestrians can access the town centre from its three main entrances between the times of 10am and 4pm.”

“We need to ensure people feel safe in the town especially those who are vulnerable and children within the pedestrian area. I’ve stepped out of a shop with a van forcing shoppers to step aside completely ignoring the restriction. Well, they won’t be ignoring the gates when they are in place!

“I have been campaigning to enhance Ormskirk's 'shopping experience' for many years. Working with shopkeepers and local people, we can deliver a town centre that people want to come to for shopping, to have lunch meet friends and family.

"The TRO is just a small hurdle to get the gates put in place and make Ormskirk the place to be.”

The consultation runs until 6th February, and was advertised in the Champion on the 9th January, and also on site by way of notices.

The required Traffic Regulation Order (TRO) consultation proposes to shorten the length of one way so that it starts 27 metres south from the junction with Park Road (the Church entrance) rather than from the junction with Park Road.

Anyone wishing to make a representation or objection is asked to do so within this timeframe, in writing, either to this email address: OCETRO- consultation@lancashire.gov.uk, or to the postal address listed on the Notice of Proposal which can be found here: https://www.lancashire.gov.uk/roads-parking-and-travel/roads/roadworks-and-traffic-regulation-orders/permanent/proposed-traffic-regulation-orders-tros/