ELLESMERE Port has been chosen to take part in a pilot scheme to help improve the high street.

It is hoped the programme will bring a welcome boost to the town centre.

The town was named as a participant in the High Street Task Force by the Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government.

The task force is made up of technical and professional experts with wide-ranging expertise who will support, co-ordinate and develop a national approach for the transformation of traditional town centres and high streets and also provide access to data and information.

Councillor Richard Beacham, cabinet member for housing, regeneration and growth, said: “I look forward to welcoming the Task Force members in March when they visit Ellesmere Port.

“As a pilot participant the council and our partners will work with the task force to trial tools and support products to improve the high street and town centre. The work will also assist with any bids in the future.

“The good news is that we are getting early access to specialist advice, learning and data/insight that might otherwise have been delivered through consultants at a cost to the council.”

Work starts next month on the building of a new bus zone along Civic Way in Ellesmere Port to provide local people with an improved travel experience. This will be followed by the construction of a new public services Hub building on the site of the former bus station.

This will provide a better offer to the local community by bringing together a wide range of public services including: housing support, employment, skills and learning guidance, welfare and benefits support, and health and wellbeing this will all be delivered in a modern, welcoming and energy efficient building.