EXCITING £80m plans to launch an ambitious waterside development, creating 3,000 jobs, were given a £5.6m boost this week.

The cash will help turn a contaminated Widnes 'grot spot' into a trailblazing science and business park.

The grant, from the Northwest Regional Development Agency (NWDA), is set to breathe new life, wealth and vitality into 80 hectares of Victorian wasteland, over the next six years.

Cllr Tony McDermott, council leader, said: "We are giving the local and regional economy a shot in the arm and will create infrastructure and jobs that will provide real change to Halton.

"The waterfront project will become something of which all Haltonians can be rightly proud."

Steven Broomhead, NWDA chief executive, said: "Widnes Waterfront has enormous potential to become a prime business location, making a significant contribution to the regional economy.

"The NWDA is delighted to support this development, which will act as a catalyst for investment in Halton, creating a significant number of jobs in the process."

Developers Priority Sites and Langtree Group plc have pledged to build the first top quality commercial properties.

New office space of 104,000 sq ft and light industry will have a dramatic waterfront setting.

A boulevard, 600 waterside homes, public spaces and landscaped parkland with trees, seating areas, lighting and public art will open up the waterway for local people.

The innovative plans are supported by the European objective two programme.

Cllr Rob Polhill, board member for regeneration, said: "This is very exciting. A lot of people are already showing a lot of interest in the site.

"It will attract a lot of investment and transform the whole area."