COUNCIL chiefs are hoping Ellesmere Port could soon benefit from £10 million to help transform its town centre.

Cheshire West and Chester Council has lodged bids for the Government’s Future High Streets Fund, which has been set up to help revive town centres following recent difficulty in retail.

If successful, CWaC wants to use the cash to improve the environment and public realm in the town centre, improve access and transport links, and reduce empty floorspace by offering units for business and workspace.

It also hopes to create sites within the town centres for people to live in, and boost footfall by providing more cultural and leisure events.

Only two bids could be submitted by the council, under rules set down by the Government, with Ellesmere Port and Winsford being the potentially successful beneficiaries.

The council saw Ellesmere Port and Winsford as the best opportunities to be successful for the bids – as the cash could be used carry out the regenerations schemes under way in the two towns.

The move therefore sees Northwich and Chester miss out on bidding for the first round of the Future High Streets Fund – despite both also going through regeneration schemes.

Cllr Nicole Meardon, Labour member for Sutton in Ellesmere Port, added: “I’m really pleased the council is bidding to improve Ellesmere Port as part of the Future High Streets Fund.

“We’re currently working to regenerate the town centre and further investment can make sure we create a thriving high street which meets the needs of residents and local businesses.

“The town will really benefit from improved transport links, a better high street environment and more foot-fall which in turn will lead to a better retail and services offer for the whole community.”

Jake Berry MP, High Streets Minister, said: “The Government has the power to set the direction but those on the ground know best.

“I look forward to reviewing the innovative proposals from local leaders to transform our high streets and town centres and make them fit for the future.

“We’re determined to ensure high streets continue to sit at the heart of our communities for generations to come.

“Our Future High Streets Fund will sit front and centre of our Plan for the High Street as we work to achieve this aim.”

Cllr Sam Naylor, Labour member for Winnington and Castle in Northwich, can understand why Winsford and Ellesmere Port were chosen ahead of Chester and Northwich.

He said: “It is always a disappointment if there is cash available and Northwich does not secure it.

“But let’s be fair – Winsford is in need of regeneration, so is Ellesmere Port, there are lots of deprived areas in both of those towns.

“When you take into account the investment in Barons Quay, the plans for Weaver Square, and the £37 million that Northwich had to stabilise the town, you can’t say that we have not had our fair share of funding.”