Infrastructure spending vital for town

INCREASED spending on infrastructure, announced in the Chancellors’ Autumn Statement could have big implications for Warrington.
Steve Park (pictured), chief executive officer of economic development and regeneration group Warrington and Co., says infrastructure investment is something the business community has for a long time been asking for.
In Warrington it is of particular importance given the town’s proximity to the main motorway and rail networks.
This has undoubtedly been part of the town’s economic success story, he says, and Warrington and Co will continue to work closely with the borough council, and the Cheshire and Warrington Local Enterprise Partnership to ensure government  funding is available to help develop the town’s strategic infrastructure.
Mr Park said: “The ‘Pinchpoint’ project to help alleviate congestion in Birchwood is nearing completion, consultation is underway, until January 11, regarding the Centre Park Link project and, later this month, there will be announcements regarding consultation on Junction 8 improvements on the M62.”
Mr Park also draws attention to the successful work done by Warrington and Co, in conjunction with partners, to bring about the designation of Birchwood as an Enterprise Zone.
He said: “This is great news. It’s the first ever Enterprise Zone in Warrington and was announced as a part of the Cheshire Science Corridor in the Chancellor’s Statement.
“It’s recognition of the strategic importance of the Birchwood/Warrington East area which employs over 27,000 people, 20 per cent of whom are employed in the nuclear industry.”