The historic alleyways in Ormskirk Town Centre are important because they give an insight into the town's history, providing a valuable link to the past.  The alleyways were built in the 17th and 18th centuries to move goods into the yards and outbuildings that had been built behind the buildings facing the main streets of the town.  Later, in the 19th century, some of these back spaces became “courts” where the poorest inhabitants lived in crowded and insanitary conditions.

Today, only a small number of alleyways remain but they are a distinctive feature of our town centre.  Some are homes for independent shops and businesses and all continue to be used for pedestrian access. 

Unfortunately, many are no longer in a good state of repair.  Ormskirk Community Partnership has been working with owners, local businesses and the council, to repair their historic features and to make them better and more welcoming for visitors and local people.

We have already tackled one alleyway, between Clarks Shoes and Heyes Opticians, on Moor Street. Gone are the uneven cobbles, neglected walls and run down appearance.  The ancient cobbled path has been carefully restored, walls have been painted, and the makeover completed with security lighting, CCTV cameras and attractive information boards, which tell the story of the alleyway.

We have plans for other alleyways in the Town Centre and had hoped to start work on them in 2023. However, there has been a delay because we have been told that we need to seek planning permission before we can proceed.  We have commissioned a specialist to survey the alleyways and submit planning applications later in 2024.  Depending on the outcome of these applications, we should be able to start work on more alleyways later in 2024 or in early 2025.