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31 January 2018
Vol 25 ● Issue 5
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WEST Lancs Council chiefs say what they described as “exciting proposals” for future improvements to Tawd Valley Park were presented and discussed at a meeting at West Lancashire College in Skelmersdale. Local councillors and council officers were joined by members of the public for the meeting to receive feedback on plans for the park which have now been incorporated into a draft Masterplan. Presentations by West Lancashire CVS, Groundwork CLM and the borough council outlined views expressed in the public consultation that the park needs to retain its many existing benefits. Respondents were keen that the natural habitat of woodland and waterway is preserved along with steps being taken to clean the water entering the river and remove the large amounts of rubbish. A number of potential developments are being considered to encourage more visitors to the park, including a BMX track, revitalising the amphitheatre as a working performance space, creating a new
Council ‘grateful’ for positive contribution to consultation
visitor centre, improving the fishing lake and finding a way of commemorating the mining heritage of the Tawd Valley and Skelmersdale. Other proposals outlined included new wetland areas incorporating reed beds to filter ground water that flows from neighbouring housing estates into the river. There are also plans to repair much of the existing infrastructure such as footpaths and bridges. West Lancs Council leader, Councillor Ian Moran, introduced the local authority ’s presentation outlining its commitment to the project. It says this includes making available “significant” funding resources from monies collected from new development in West Lancashire through the Community Infrastructure Levy. There are also commitments from Lancasire County Council to assist with financing a new cycleway. The council also emphasised the need for a Tawd Valley Friends Group to be set up to provide input into the planning, as well as delivery phases, and to support the long-term sustainability of the project. It is hoped the Friends Group will be represented on the Working Group which includes the borough council, the River Douglas Catchment Partnership, the
The Tawd Valley in Skelmersdale
Environment Agency, Groundwork CLM, West Lancashire CVS, SHARES and the county council. Following the presentations, members of the public spoke about their enthusiasm for the project while making a number of key points that the Working Group would need to address. These included the need for the project to be sustainable in the long term and the importance of protecting the current wildlife from the risk of disturbance from growing visitor numbers. Councillor Yvonne Gagen, West
Lancs Council’s cabinet member for leisure, said: “The council and its partners are really grateful to everyone who came to the meeting and contributed to the consultation. ” West Lancashire CVS will host a meeting at the Ecumenical Centre, Skelmersdale, on Thursday, February 22 starting at 7pm for interested parties with a view to setting up the Friends Group. Anyone who would like to get involved is welcome. For further details contact Martin on 01695 733737 or by email at martint@westlancscvs.org.uk.
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‘EXCITING’ PLANS FOR TAWD VALLEY Report by Henry James
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Care home ‘heroes’ recognised 40th anniversary milestone for town’s library BOOK lovers in the town should make a note of next Wednesday, February 7. For that’s when Skelmersdale Library will be celebrating its 40th anniversary. And the library, on Southway, has some special events lined to mark its milestone occasion. From 10.30am until noon, visitors are invited along to a coffee morning to celebrate the day with refreshments provided by the Friends of Skelmersdale Library. Photographs and memorabilia will also be on display in the library providing an opportunity to share memories and stories of times past. Meanwhile, Dean Fraser, also known as The Quantum Poet, will be entertaining visitors to the library with his work on Thursday, February 22 from 7 to 9pm. County Councillor Peter Buckley, Lancashire County Council’s cabinet member for community and cultural services, said: “I’m looking forward to attending this event and seeing for myself how special this library is. “It is a really friendly venue and is important to the local community. “I hope lots of people go along on the day and enjoy the events we have planned and celebrate with us.” And Lancashire County Council chairman, Skelmersdale councillor Terry Aldridge, added: “This should be a great event. I know this library well. I'm delighted to be able to celebrate this anniversary and to reminisce on how it has developed since 1978.” Events are free to attend but places are limited so booking is essential. Visitors are also invited to bring along their own photographs or memorabilia and their memories and stories of the library will be shared later in the year. To find out more about the event or to book a place, call 0300 123 6703, or email Skelmersdale.library@lancashire.gov.uk.
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