PLANS for a town centre regeneration in Winsford of up to £200 million have been given the backing of the council’s cabinet.

Following the implementation of Winsford Neighbourhood Plan in 2014, a report has been drafted to show plans for how the town will be regenerated over the next 14 years.

The report states that ‘approximately £200 million will be unlocked in and around the town’ to spend on town centre redevelopment, residential growth, public realm, and employment sites.

The report was presented to Cheshire West and Chester Council cabinet members on Wednesday, July 20, with members voting in favour of the report.

Cllr Brian Clarke, ward member for Winsford, Wharton, said at the meeting: “This gives me great pleasure in bringing this forward to you all.

“We got full support in 2011 when we set out on our journey and in 2014 we agreed at the council following the adoption of the Neighbourhood Plan, a programme for governance and delivery would be drafted and implemented. We are now at that stage.

“This is the beginning, not the end. We will be building right through to 2030 to make Winsford the best place to be.”

Cllr Mark Stocks, shadow cabinet member for economic development and infrastructure, spoke at the meeting, welcoming the plan and admitting that it has taken too long to get to this stage.

Cllr Stock said: “It’s a shame that it’s taken so long for the regeneration of the town centre to come into being. We in Vale Royal wanted it some time ago but for varying reasons it’s never really happened.

“I welcome the fact that up to £200 million will be available, but I question whether it will be sufficient to meet all the goals within the report.”