Chorley's new Theatre Walk takes centre stage

Historically known as Peter Wink, many know the cut through off Market Street as ‘smelly alley’, but now Theatre Walk is set to see new paving, steps and signage.

In an effort to spruce up the alleyway Chorley Council has commissioned the work as part of a £4m project to improve the town.

The passage, between Peter Street and Market Street, will also have a sign at the entrance announcing the way to Chorley Little Theatre.

It will be accompanied by Peter Wink street name plaques at either end of the alley to recognise the fact that many local people know the alley as that name.

Ian Robinson, who volunteers for the theatre, said: “We’re delighted work is finally starting on creating “Theatre Walk” in the Peter Wink area of town. Despite being here for 107 years there are still some people who don’t know about Chorley Little Theatre so we hope this will help more people discover us. More generally, that passageway has been in need of a tidy-up for quite some time so it should help brighten up the town centre and be nicer for everyone to use. We’d like to thank Chorley Council for supporting us with the name, and look forward to seeing the end result.”

A Chorley Council spokesman said: “Local people and businesses have been asking us to improve various parts of the town centre and Theatre Walk will help to signpost people to Chorley Little Theatre, which is a popular town centre attraction.”

An information board will explain the origins of Peter Wink and the council is appealing for people to come forward with details of the history of this name.