ST HELENS has been given a further boost in their plans to regenerate the town as the Government signed off on the earmarked £25m for projects across the borough.

This means that work can continue on the business cases for all six projects in the original Town Investment Plan, with the final submissions for these due in winter 2022.

The full list of projects selected by the Town Deal Board after consultation are - Glass Futures Phase Two (including Cannington Shaw Bottle Shop), Town Centre Regeneration & Living, Heritage World (World of Glass), Healthy Communities (Youth Zone and Health Innovation Hub), Connected Places and Digital infrastructure.

St Helens is one of 15 areas across the UK that will receive a chunk of the £335 million town regeneration pot.

Leader of St Helens Borough Council, David Baines, has previously said that the funding is a "milestone moment in the redevelopment of St Helens".

Speaking about the plans last year, Cllr Baines promised residents that the £25m "will have a hugely positive impact on our plans for major regeneration".

Councillor Richard McCauley, Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Planning said: “This is yet more positive news for our borough and highlights the hard work we are putting into regenerating our town centres with the help of our partners, which is being recognised on a national level.

"These are exciting projects that will help shape the future for St Helens Town Centre, support our plans for inclusive growth that benefits all and drive a sustainable future that supports our climate plans to reduce emissions.”

John Tabern, Chairman of St Helens Town Deal Board, added: “This is the next step in the journey for our plan, which has been developed by a variety of public and private sector organisations as well as our voluntary sector partners.

"As a board we are committed to developing our town centre and this key support from Government shows we are on the right track with our vision."

Whilst the Town Deal Board secured a £25 million offer from Government, the exact amount of money each project will receive is subject to both business case approval and further approval from the Governments new Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities.