£32 million to turn Halton into a better place to live (From Warrington Guardian)

£32 million to turn Halton into a better place to live

AN EXCITING £32m drive to create new jobs and improve housing, health and education has been launched.

Halton's community strategy will also tackle anti-social behaviour and domestic violence.

"It's about a holistic approach," said Cllr Rob Polhill, newly-appointed chairman of Halton Strategic Partnership.

"We want to improve the quality of life for everyone. By working together, we can focus on what needs doing and do things better."

"We aim to make Halton a safer, better place to live and work."

Creating a healthier community, making Halton a place where people are proud to live, investing in young people, improving skills and reducing crime are the strategy's top priorities.

"We are confident that the challenges we have set can be achieved," said Cllr Polhill. "Together, we can make a difference."

Giving town centres a facelift and transforming contaminated land at Widnes Waterfront into a vibrant business park are already under way.

Halton Council, Cheshire Constabulary, health services and the community and voluntary sector all work together in partnership to secure funding to regenerate Halton.

"This strategy is the result of 18 months consultation and planning," explained Cllr Polhill. "It is a vital tool in focusing the work of Halton's service providers. People are very clear about what improvements they want to see. Using the strategy, it's now our job to make it happen."