ST HELENS North MP has backed a bid to secure £40 million funding for former coalfield towns.

Conor McGinn has given his backing to the Coalfield Regeneration Trust (CRT), which has asked for the money from the Government.

The trust supports former coalfield communities such as St Helens in a variety of ways, including investing in jobs and skills and providing access to sports and fitness projects.

St Helens North MP Mr McGinn said: “Communities in St Helens face higher levels of deprivation and rates of long term illness than the national average.

“As a former coalfield community it is important St Helens benefits from central government regeneration funding, which is why I am proud to back the important work of the Coalfields Regeneration Trust and support its bid.

“Jobs, skills and training are vital for our communities and it is important the Government invests in young people through regeneration funding here in St Helens and across other former coalfield communities.”

With four in 10 people in St Helens living in the top 20 per cent of the most deprived neighbourhoods in the country, the town is hoping it will be prioritised for regeneration funding.

CRT chairman Peter McNestry said: “People may think £40 million is a lot to ask for, but when you consider the scale of the challenges that still remain it requires this level of ambition to make the significant and lasting impacts needed.

“We know we can deliver a social return on investment of £10 for every £1 spent.

“There is no other organisation in the country that could achieve this in our communities.”