18 April 2008, 08/87
Visitors in for a more colourful welcome
Six main gateways into West Lancashire are benefiting from major
environmental enhancement works, thanks to the District Council’s
Inspire regeneration project.
The initiative, which has been 100% funded by the North West
Regional Development Agency via the West Lancashire Local Strategic
Partnership’s Investing in Business Programme, will, once finished,
make the gateways more attractive. It will also improve the overall
image of the area, especially for visitors entering the
district.
The largest scheme is at Four Lane Ends, Bickerstaffe (adjacent
to junction 3 of the M58 motorway) which is a major route into
Ormskirk, Burscough and the western parishes. The works include the
planting of trees and shrubs as well as 100,000 daffodil bulbs. In
addition, a distinctive 
gateway sign, designed by
local artist Tony Wells, will also be put up to illustrate the
range of attractions to be found on the western side of the
district.
Other gateway sites, which have benefited from similar
improvements, are:
· The A5209 in Wrightington (adjacent to the
M6 motorway)
· The A59 in Aughton
· The A565 in Banks
· The A59 in Tarleton
· The Leeds-Liverpool canal at Appley
Bridge.
Jayne Traverse, Executive Manager Regeneration and Estates,
said: "By making important improvements at a number of key gateways
into the district it will improve the image for visitors coming to
West Lancashire. It will also benefit the business community and
tourists and will help with the economic regeneration of the area
as well as reminding local residents of the attractiveness and
diversity of the district."
Related information
> Environment
> Inspire