WEST LANCASHIRE
10 August 2022
Vol 29 l Issue 32
www.champnews.com
Medics saved my life!
INSIDE THIS WEEK:
NEW BUS STATION OPENING DELAYED BY NESTING BIRDS! Wood pigeons halt progress of £3.4m town centre project
Residents stranded by bus strike SKELMERSDALE residents continue to be left with few transport options as the Arriva North West bus strike continues. Since July, Arriva N orth West has had to cancel the majority of its services in the region after its drivers went on strike. With no train station, many people in Skelmersdale rely on Arriva N orth West’s buses for travel in and out of town Representatives from Unite and GMB members met with Arriva bosses last Friday. Arriva say they put an improved offer on the table, but the unions did not allow its members to vote on it and talks broke down once again. Fears over people in Skelmersdale being left stranded because of the bus dispute led to Tanhouse borough councillor, Maureen Nixon, telling the BBC: “This town was built for those who drive and if you don’t drive you have to rely on buses.” Supportive
Report by Henry James NESTING birds have caused a six week delay to the opening of the new Ormskirk bus station. The £3.4m Ormskirk Eastern Gateway Project described as ‘vital’ to the town - is a partnership between Lancashire County Council, West Lancashire Borough Council and Historic England to upgrade Ormskirk town centre focused on the area around St Helens Road, Moor Street and Ormskirk Bus Station. The first phase of the project started in May to replace the existing bus station with a more modern facility. However nesting birds on part of the site mean the new bus station is now scheduled to open in early October, around six weeks later than planned. The temporary bus stops on St Helens Road will continue to operate until the new bus station opens.
New president takes over at Rotary Club
An artist’s impression of what the new Ormskirk bus station will look like... pigeons allowing!
Wood pigeons were found to be nesting in trees which formed part of an area of planting at the front of the bus station site adjoining Moor Street. Their presence delayed work to remove this feature and install drainage, a new boundary retaining wall, new kerbs, and make improve-
ments to the road and pavement. Nesting pigeons are protected by the law and can only be moved in exceptional circumstances. It is considered an offence to move a nest during nesting season, which usually runs from spring through the summer. Continued inside
Cllr Nixon uses the bus to go to hospital appointments with her partner, who has suffered a stroke. She told the Champion that a taxi to Wigan hospital costs £15 one way, while one to Leigh hospital is £32 (one way). She added since the strike her son, who lives in Blackpool, has had to pay for taxis from Wigan to visit his children in the town. Cllr Nixon believes residents need buses to get shopping and to get to work. She added: “Pensioners use the buses with concessionary passes. Since the strike, parents can’t take their children on days out unless they drive.” However, the Labour councillor was supportive of the industrial action by Arriva drivers. She said: “Arriva make billions. People need a living wage, which is in line with inflation.” Continued inside
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