New look for Market Street to attract shoppers

ONE of Chorley’s main shopping streets is now open for business after undergoing a major transformation.

The southern end of Market Street looks completely different with new and wider pavements, benches and trees and extra crossing points as part of a shared-surface scheme.

The £1 million revamp, was delivered in partnership between Chorley Council and Lancashire County Council, and means that pedestrians, cyclists and vehicles will travel on a similar level which is much more attractive to the eye and pedestrian-friendly as it will encourage a reduced speed in traffic.

Councillor Peter Wilson, Deputy Leader of Chorley Council, said: “The new layout looks fantastic and it is so much brighter and attractive than how it used to be.

“We’ve already had lots of positive comments about the street and we hope this will now play a part in attracting new businesses and encouraging more people to visit that part of town.

“We’re already on with looking at extending these improvements to the rest of Market Street and it complements a lot of other work being done to make Chorley more appealing with newly-resurfaced car parks, the improvements to shopfronts along Market Street and plans to extend Market Walk shopping centre being drawn up.”

The road has been fully resurfaced making the pavements wider and there are plenty of places for people to park. A restricted parking zone is also being introduced to avoid the need for yellow lines on the road – the parking areas will be those that are dark grey in colour.
In the coming weeks there will be new planters too as part of the Chorley’s ‘In Bloom’ bid over the summer.

County Councillor John Fillis, Lancashire County Council cabinet member for highways and transport, said: “Chorley is a fantastic place to shop and look around, the changes that have been made make Market Street a lot more attractive and the evidence from doing similar schemes is that this investment will encourage existing businesses to invest in their properties and new ones to move into the area.

"I would like to thank people for their tolerance while the work was being completed. I'm sure they will appreciate it's been worth the wait as the environment appears more open and friendly as you walk down the street."

ENDS

Pic caption:
Councillor Peter Wilson (left) and County Councillor John Fillis enjoying the new benches on Market Street

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