A BOARD set up to oversee multi-million-pound improvements in Newton-le-Willows is looking for two community representatives to join the team.

Earlier this year, it was announced that Newton-le-Willows will receive £19.5million in funding to be spent over a 10-year period.

The funding was part of the previous government's 'Long Term Plan for Towns', and a Newton-le-Willows Town Board was subsequently set up to discuss and decide how best to utilise the investment.

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Councillor Kate Groucutt with Mercury Hampton founders Jonathan Sallis (centre) and Chris Hickey (right)Councillor Kate Groucutt with Mercury Hampton founders Jonathan Sallis (centre) and Chris Hickey (right) (Image: St Helens Council)
A total of £250,000 grant funding has been provided by the Department for Levelling-Up to help launch the Town Board, which will become the "accountable body" for the investment and developments.

Chaired by local businessman Chris Hickey, the board includes representatives from Liverpool City Region Combined Authority, Merseyside Police and Crime Commissioners Office, Merseyside Police, St Helens Council as well as St Helens North MP David Baines.

The board's aims are to develop a 10-year long-term plan for Newton-le-Willows, and formulate a three-year investment plan that will outline the projects to be created from the fund once approved by government.

To complete the make up of the board, two community representatives are needed to give their thoughts and support the development of the plans and public consultation.

Chris Hickey, Chair of the Newton-le-Willows Town Board, said: “This is a really exciting time for Newton-le-Willows and as a board we’re looking for two committed members of the community who are passionate about the place and can demonstrate how they’ve already done their bit to make Newton-le-Willows a great place to live, work and visit.

"You’ll be keen to make a difference and have an idea on how to shape the plans that we as a board will create as part of this project.”

Councillor Richard McCauley, Cabinet Member for Inclusive Growth and Regeneration, added: “As the lead organisation we’ve been working to bring together the necessary representatives set out by Government and now these two roles are the final pieces to bring together a group of people who are determined to make a difference for Newton-le-Willows.

"We’d recommend that anyone interested in this opportunity take a look online at the board information to decide whether you could be the person we’re looking for and can support our ambitious plans for the area.”

More information about the board and the long-term plan can be found here. The closing date for applications is 21st August.