News
Updates from OWL
Council did not consult their own Competent Health and Safety adviser before approving market stall changes
Health and Safety concerns about the proposed changes to Ormskirk market have heightened as news emerged that the council did not consult their own competent health and safety adviser over the plans. Council Independent Group, Our West Lancashire have been asking…
Another Successful Ormskirk Town Centre litter pick but Councillor says retailers must play their part
Around 15 community volunteers spruced up Ormskirk town centre including alleyways; backs of shops and near the stations in another event organised by Our West Lancashire on Sunday (2nd February). Permanent residents were joined by members of Edge Hill University’s Sustainability…
Long term solutions needed, not quick fixes at top-level meeting on parking in Ormskirk
A meeting of the councils, Edge Hill University and police on parking problems in Ormskirk must consider long-term solutions not simply quick fixes say Council Independents, Our West Lancashire. The meeting this week (Thursday 30th January) is being held after Our…
Annual Report 2019
Take five minutes (or a little over) to discover some of what we’ve been up to in 2019.
OWL lead with motion to eliminate single use plastics from WLBC
Our West Lancashire recently proposed a motion that WLBC move to eliminate Single Use Plastics (SUPs) from its supply chain, and encourage local businesses to do the same. Following debate and minor amendments to our motion in the council chamber, the…
Our Stance on Councillor Allowances
Councillor allowances or “pay” in West Lancashire is voted on and agreed by… you guessed it, councillors themselves. Our West Lancashire believe that this process should be more transparent than it is. That’s why today we are publishing our submission to…
Labour cabinet should publicly justify their changes to Ormskirk Market
Council staff who put up the stalls were not asked their views Continuing questions over the finance figures are to be considered by council’s external auditors Council Independents this week accused the Labour council cabinet of not having thought out their…
Council Leader quizzed over waste bin Breakages
An Independent councillor is to quiz the Council Leader at this week’s council meeting after three of her blue recycling bins have been broken during the bin emptying process in the past 12 months. Cllr Jane Thompson said, “I am now…
Authorities need to provide a long-term solution to student parking problems say Our West Lancashire
The County and Borough Councils need to work with Edge Hill to provide a long-term solution to student parking problems say Our West Lancashire. The Council Independents have tabled a motion for debate at next week’s Borough Council meeting. The call…
Move to recycle more plastics welcomed by Independent councillors
From 1 October, West Lancashire residents will be able to easily recycle more plastic waste following changes made by Lancashire County Council. Along with plastic bottles, which are already collected, residents will be able to put clean plastic pots, tubs and…
Local Plan SCRAPPED!
Responding to news that work on the Local Plan review is to cease in its entirety and the process be restarted from scratch, Our West Lancashire warmly welcomed the news. Cllr Adrian Owens said, “This is the step we have been…
ONLY 1 in 5 stallholders support Council’s proposed changes at Ormskirk market
Questions also continue over alleged financial savings A survey of stallholders by council Independents, Our West Lancashire has revealed that only 1 in 5 market stallholders support the Labour council’s proposed changes at Ormskirk market. The survey also showed that several…
Poor Weed Control this Summer is a result of Councils’ Purchasing Delay
Delays between the County and Borough councils in agreeing this year’s weed spraying contract on the area’s roads and pavements have led to increased damage to highways say Our West Lancashire, the Independent group of councillors. After being contacted by concerned…
Fruitful result as Free Tree Scheme continues
Residents will be able to apply for trees again from the council after Our West Lancashire pressed the matter to a successful conclusion. WLBC’s ‘Free Tree Scheme‘ provides young trees to local residents and community groups. There is low tree coverage…
Question: Weed Control on West Lancashire’s Roads
Question to the Council Leader from Cllr Adrian Owens on behalf of the Our West Lancashire Group: Weed control on Highways Annual plants form an important part of our biodiversity in our local countryside including highway verges. However, when they grow…
Our West Lancashire welcomes news that Bus Station proposal has been withdrawn
Our West Lancashire Councillors in Ormskirk are tentatively welcoming news that Downing Students Ltd have pulled out of the proposed redevelopment of Ormskirk Bus Station. The plans, brought forward in conjunction with the Borough Council (the site owner) in January this…
Swimming Pools for all? The Council want your views.
We almost lost community swimming facilities at Park Pool in Ormskirk. Remember October 2015 when the Labour council threatened closure of Park Pool? Our campaign and petition stopped those plans then. In Spring 2016 we were the first local political group…
Roundabout Improvements welcomed by OWL following long campaign
Our West Lancashire have welcomed news that the Borough council will restore summer bedding to the roundabout by the Fire Station after Cllr Kate Mitchell raised the matter with the Director of Street Scene on Monday. Cllr Mitchell, who made improvements…
Councillor Johnson responds as West End FC are forced to cancel popular event
Hundreds of children look set to miss out on an opportunity to participate in a popular summer football tournament after a huge price hike resulted in the annual Ormskirk End West FC summer football tournament being cancelled yesterday – five weeks…
Our West Lancashire make Four Gains from Labour in ‘Wake-Up’ call for two Main Parties
Our West Lancashire, the Independents on West Lancashire Borough Council are celebrating after making four gains in last week’s elections. Our West Lancashire made a clean sweep in Ormskirk winning all three wards. They now have the majority of councillors in…
