Ormskirk is very much on the up, but not everywhere in West Lancashire feels this sense of positivity
The stark contrast between the towns has been highlighted by concerned residents ahead of the upcoming by-election which will see Labour MP Rosie Cooper's replacement being selected. In Ormskirk, Thursday is market day which means that the historic town is buzzing with people browsing stalls and exploring the town centre.
Situated just off the A59 and close to the M6 and M58 motorways, Ormskirk and the surrounding areas have become increasingly popular, boosting house prices and encouraging new businesses to open up including a trendy new food and drink market. However, the MP gets some mixed reviews from residents in the area. There is a different view in the nearby Golden Lion where friends Paul and Bernard are chatting over a lunchtime pint.
She will go into the vote as a strong favourite ahead of Tory Mike Prendergast, Lib Dem Jo Barton, Green candidate Peter Cranie, Reform UK's Jonathan Kay and, of course, Howling Laud Hope from the Monster Raving Loony Party. Skelmersdale is located just six miles away and is the largest town in West Lancashire - but it's worlds apart in some ways.
In July last year the government rejected funding plans from Lancashire County Council, which had submitted a business case to the Department of Transport for the creation of a rail station on the site of the former Glenburn Sports College, closed by the council in 2015. It was hoped a new station could link up to the Kirkby-Wigan line and potentially become part of the Merseyrail network.
Wendy says she thinks Ormskirk is favoured in terms of attention, facilities and possibilities, adding: "They've got a train station and they are getting a brand new bus station but there are more people here."
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