THE leader of St Helens Council has reinforced the authority's commitment to delivering "high value jobs" in the borough.

In a private address following the annual council meeting, Cllr Derek Long promised to deliver new jobs, telling members the first major investments are already emerging.

He said the council is committed to regenerating St Helens town centre and surrounding areas such as Earlestown, Haydock and Rainhill, stating that work is in hand and will go forward.

Cllr Long – who recently fought off a leadership challenge to cement his position at the helm – also pledged to commit £1.5 million to attracting new business to the borough.

The council leader highlighted the commitment to St Helens from three medical companies, which he said would look to re-establish the borough as a leading pharmaceutical town.

“St Helens grew as a chemical pharmaceutical town, with names such as Beechams and Gamble emanating from this great place,” he said.

“But many people think of that industry as gone.

"Well, it is not.”

The West Park ward councillor pointed to Movianto, a specialist global manufacturer and pharmaceutical business that has committed to moving to Haydock, bringing up to 400 jobs to the borough.

He then highlighted Macom, a technology business that supports the chemical sector that supports 42 people has been growing in St Helens since 1982.

“Over 50 per cent of their staff is employed at a degree level, and this year they have opened new laboratories, making an international investment here in our borough,” Cllr Long said.

“On top of that we have Inovus Medical, a business based here in St Helens town centre which only recently won the Made in North West Manufacturing Award for Innovation for 2018.”

The council leader also said the council will launch an inclusive growth commission, which will look at how economic opportunities can benefit everyone while investigating how growth can be turned into “good” growth.

Cllr Long added: “We’re a borough for investment and innovation, and what all of these show is that our journey through industry and ingenuity is about St Helens becoming the centre for innovation, securing high value jobs that pay well and provide fantastic career opportunities in the long-term for our residents.”

Cllr Long told members the council is continuing its efforts to bring Talgo, the Spanish train manufacturer to Newton-le-Willows.

He also pledged to establish a project to develop the borough's railway and industrial heritage to provide new jobs.