PLANS to revitalise the top of Widnes town centre were given the green light this week.

Halton councillors are confident the project to develop the north end of Albert Road will secure existing businesses, attract new companies and create new jobs.

Plans to build five retail units and a 204-space car park on land between Albert Road and Bradley Way were approved by members of the development, control and licensing committee on Monday evening.

Developers hope to attract leading High Street retailers.

Cllr Rob Polhill, executive board member for planning, said: "Hopefully, this will end all the uncertainty for traders. It means we can start putting plans in place.

"We understand it has been difficult for businesses to look ahead but we are confident this will safeguard jobs and help Widnes to become a much more prosperous town."

Only eight objections had been received from neighbouring residents out of more than 1,000 consultation letters.

Amendments have been made to accommodate the concerns expressed by people about parking and access.

Widnes Regeneration Limited, a partnership between Halton Council and St Modwen Developments is keen to improve the vitality and viability of fringes of the town centre.

Coupled with plans to re-locate Asda to Simms Cross, the scheme aims to give Widnes a fresh, bright image.

Halton Council has to wait six weeks to find out if the Secretary of State intends to 'call in' the Albert Road application.

A Government decision on the relocation of Asda is expected soon, following a public inquiry.

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