It was billed as a chance for local traders to engage in a frank dialogue with the council - and it lived up to its name...

A meeting called to re launch the Ormskirk Town Centre Business Forum was held at The Chapel Gallery on Wednesday night.

And despite some 250 letters being distributed to every business in the town, a disappointing dozen or so local traders turned up, joining members of the Ormskirk Community Partnership.

And it didn't take long for chair Colin Brady, Technical Services Manager to get 'both barrels' with gripes about car parking from traders. The issue dominated the meeting for the first half hour or so, with Brady at pains to tell them that if a forum is relaunched, it's not simply there for members to use it to 'have a go' at the council

He also stressed his department had no powers to alter current car parking complaints, adding that a forum could lobby councillors on that and other matters of concern.

"Surviving" was the succinct reply from one local bar owner when Brady asked about their current concerns.

But the meeting soon took on a more positive note after addresses from Brady - who cited the success of the Ormskirk MotorFest - Katie Givens of Pandora's Box, and the small but effective Ormskirk Community Partnership.



Givens (above) spoke of the importance of getting local support for a contest to get a slice of £1 millions being offered under the Portas Pilot scheme launched recently.



And Irene Slack from OCP (above) gave an update on exciting plans to stage a Gingerbread festival in Ormskirk that's had enthusiastic backing from local schools and Edge Hill students.

Other ideas included two new festivals - an Ormskirk Music Festival styled on those held in Crosby over the past five years and an Ormskirk Food Festival reflecting the area's rich culinary heritage.

And two local businesswomen urged traders to attend their networking events - Amanda Shaw holds her next monthly one at 9am on Friday, 24 February at O'este while Lizz Plumtree is holding the second of her Ormskirk and West Lancs. Business Focus meetings at Source on 6 March at 8.30am.

After the meeting, the borough council released this statement to QLocal: "The Ormskirk Town Centre Business Forum presents a valuable opportunity for local businesses to consult directly with the Council on important and relevant matters.

"It also provides an opportunity for businesses and the Council to work together to develop ideas and promotional activities in support of the town centre.

"The initial meeting was held to gauge support, discuss ideas and set up a meeting framework and agenda where we can combine efforts to help sustain and secure the viable long term future of Ormskirk town centre.

"Over 25 representatives from local businesses turned up, alongside representatives from the Ormskirk Community Partnership.

"We believe this is a great start to the forum and look forward to many more constructive meetings and discussions where the views of the Ormskirk business community can be listened to."

step one - stop the continental markets

step two - stop the continental markets

step three - stop the continental markets