THE leader of St Helens Council has promised an increased focus on the borough’s economic future.

Barrie Grunewald made the pledge at the council's annual meeting, where he also spelled out how radical action will be needed to protect vulnerable communities if further drastic cuts to local authority budgets are enforced.

Th economic development of the St Helens borough remains an area where the council often comes in for criticism, with residents arguing that the town lags behind the likes of Warrington when it comes to growth and prosperity.

However, Councillor Grunewald, now has Mike Palin, an economic development expert, as the council chief executive to add a fresh pair of eyes to a masterplan.

The council leader's pledges included the "production of a long term economic vision for the borough" and bringing back the town centre manager’s post, with the chosen candidate tasked with working with businesses and attracting more visitors.

He expressed hope infrastructure projects, including £14.4 million funding for the Newton rail interchange, extra cash for improvements at Windle Island and on the A570 Linkway and over £2 million that will be invested in sustainable transport would provide a springboard for regeneration.

The council leader touched on several major proposed developments that appeared to have crawled along at a snail's pace. He added that at least two more new businesses will join Aldi on the West Point site, however, there have been bold predictions for that site before.

He also said there would be a commitment that the next 12 months will see the first planning application for the much heralded Parkside development site in Newton-le-Willows, another proposal that appears tom have been talked about a great deal without the public seeing visible signs of progress.

Grunewald added that the council expects to see advancements over the Ruskin Drive sportsground transformation, which is due to be considered by cabinet members this week.

However, he painted a bleak picture over the threat facing council services, drawing concerns to the prospect the Conservative government will cut grants to St Helens even more than the coalition did.

He vowed to "redouble the authority’s efforts to protect vulnerable residents and communities" – warning St Helens sat in all three categories where the Local Government Association was warning of further cuts.

The council leader added: “I cannot overstate how difficult the years ahead might be for our town and for this council.

“I now fear we will be hit harder and faster.

“The association is now predicting that local authorities with the poorest populations, those in the North and those classified as metropolitan authorities will face the greatest cuts. We sit in all three categories."

Cllr Grunewald said a radical re-think would be taking place within the council as to how the borough’s most vulnerable communities could be supported during a period when up to £23 million could be taken away from the town hall budget.

He dismissed criticism of ‘municipal paternalism’ across parts of the UK and insisted it was ‘absolutely right’ that St Helens Council should care about housing, health, schools and opportunities.

He pledged greater partnership working with St Helens Chamber, the local Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG), hospitals, schools, voluntary bodies and the private sector.