 The Secretary of State has rejected the massive retail development planned for Kirkby, removing a roadblock to the future regeneration of Skelmersdale town centre.
Adrian Owens, Conservative General Election candidate and the council portfolio holder for regeneration, said:
"West Lancashire’s planning officers worked with Lancashire County Council, St Helens and Sefton to present the strongest possible combined case at the Public Inquiry into the Kirkby proposals. Our arguments have been emphatically accepted by the Planning Inspector and the Secretary of State. I would like to give credit to all the officers involved.”
“West Lancashire Borough Council is committed to regenerating Skelmersdale town centre, to create a new heart for the town and make it an even better place to live, work and visit. We will now be continuing positive discussions with our partners about the next steps and will be meeting soon to talk about the way forward. St Modwen have already confirmed they wish to resume discussions with the Borough Council and the HCA to see how the first phase of the vision for Skelmersdale can move forward despite the recession."
Ian Grant, Leader of Conservative run West Lancashire Council, said:
“Following confirmation that the new Skelmersdale College project will go ahead, this is another significant boost for Skelmersdale. Though the position is complicated by the current economic situation, the Council and its partners are confident that regeneration in Skelmersdale will go ahead over the next 10 to 15 years as planned. We will keep local people informed as we move forward in the coming months.”
26th November 2009 | 
