THE latest draft masterplans for St Helens and Earlestown town centres were due to go before senior councillors at a cabinet meeting as the Star went to press.

Understandably, there has been a huge amount of interest in what the proposals – which were revealed in last week's Star – set out.

People and businesses around here are deeply passionate about the future of town centres and want to see their areas thrive.

There's also been a degree of scepticism too – we've all seen fancy plans and CGIs in the past and these have not been delivered. That's completely understandable too.

Regeneration leaders tell us this time be different, crucially and significantly the English Cities Fund is on board as a delivery partner.

The majority of the senior team of council officers running this have arrived at the town hall relatively recently, bringing fresh eyes and thoughts.

So, really, now is the time to get these plans – following consultation – cemented and for the team behind this to deliver, both in the medium and the short-term.

St Helens cannot afford any more false dawns or delays.

- Take your hat off to Andy Ball. Running a marathon in any conditions is a huge achievement – but to complete a course in full fireman kit is astounding.

Andy may have been the final entrant across the finish line in the Manchester Marathon but, as his family, say he is a real life super hero.

I'm sure Star readers will join us in saying well done (See here).

While we are offering congratulations, a word of praise for rugby league amateurs Thatto Heath who became national champions at weekend.

Another tremendous achievement for a town that is leading the way for the sport.