The Path to Nowhere is Finally to be Connected
Our West Lancashire’s Councillor Paul Hesketh has welcomed news that the linear park path between Ormskirk and Burscough is finally to be connected after the Borough Council confirmed that the project is moving ahead. OWL had previously dubbed it the “path to nowhere”.
The linear park path was designed as part of the plan for the new Highgrove estate to connect Ormskirk and Burscough for pedestrians and cyclists. Developer Taylor Wimpey completed their section as planned, but it currently ends 350 metres short of Burscough at a barrier after the Borough Council failed to progress the section of the path for which it was responsible.
Councillor Hesketh said, “The update report to councillors that OWL requested seems to have finally got the council moving. They now say they will get the final section of the linear park path completed by the end of March next year. It will need a detailed project plan and close management to meet that tight timescale, but after the delays so far the news that the project is finally progressing is welcome. This path is away from the busy main road and offers multiple health benefits by encouraging more walking and cycling between Ormskirk and Burscough once it’s finished. Until then, those on foot and two wheels have to use the busy High Lane which has a 60mph speed limit.”
OWL Chairman, Adrian Owens said, “In the current inflationary climate, the delays from the council to this project have seen costs increase so council taxpayers are also paying the price. In fact, this week’s council meeting received a report identifying delays in projects across the council totalling more than £10 million. Delayed projects include improvements to culverts to prevent flooding; new children’s playgrounds; a cycle trail; new changing rooms for junior football; and affordable housing. In total 56 projects scheduled to start in the past year did not commence. Capital schemes are complex and some delays are inevitable, but this is the worst performance I can recall in 25 years. The council needs to start delivering.”
