HALTON'S most deprived areas could receive up to £20 million Euro cash.

The windfall follows news that most of the borough has retained its Objective Two status until 2006.

Halton Council leader Tony McDermott said it could attract much needed jobs and new companies.

He said: "This is good news for Halton in terms of jobs and investment in the borough.

"However, the map is only at the proposal stage so there is a long way to go yet.

"This is the culmination of 12 months intensive work within the authority and we have been well supported all the way by our own two local MPs Derek Twigg and Mike Hall and MEP Brian Simpson, together with our colleagues in Merseyside."

Halton's funding is part of a £400 million European regional funding, through the Department of Trade and Industry to support job creation projects throughout the North West.

Ward boundaries have been used to identify areas in need of help.

On the new map, 85 per cent of Halton would be eligible, benefitting 107,798 people.

The wards included are Appleton, Broadheath, Brookfields, Castlefields, Clough, Ditton, Farnworth, Hale, Halton, Halton Brook, Hough Green, Kingsway, Mersey, Murdishaw, Norton and Riverside.

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