Making the right noises (From Warrington Guardian)

Making the right noises

IT'S all happening in Halton - but we need to blow our own trumpet more.

That's the message the council's new chief executive delivered to guests at the Chamber of Commerce annual gala dinner at the Halton Stadium on Friday.

David Parr, who took over the reigns from Mike Cuff in the summer, said he had no hesitation in joining Halton Council because of the fantastic progress that had been made in recent years and the potential to develop the borough further.

"There is so much to be proud of in Halton with lots to shout about. But what we need to do is shout louder," he said.

"With Halton Council working in partnership with the Chamber, local businesses, the Learning and Skills Council and Business Link, we're creating an environment where business and enterprise can and is thriving."

Mr Parr pointed to the infrastructure that is being put in place with the Ditton a freight village, Widnes Waterfront and the Mersey Gateway, all of which will have a massive impact on the borough and create thousands of jobs.

He said the local environment was 'cleaner and greener' than it had ever been and there is now a wealth of housing opportunities from the six bedroom executive homes that have been built to the improvements in social housing on estates such as Castlefields in Runcorn.

"We're looking to develop an enterprise culture in Halton to address the enterprise deficit," he said.

"Our aspiration is that Halton, with its unique geographical position, becomes the first choice for investment."