More details of a roadmap to redefine Lancashire as it emerges from lockdown have been revealed.
Local authorities have come together with the Lancashire Enterprise Partnership and stakeholder organisations to create a bold vision of how the county can form a key part of rebuilding the UK economy.
Working alongside regeneration guru Sir Howard Bernstein and his team at Deloittes, the plan, which has already been sent to the Prime Minister for consideration, has now been published.
The document explains how urgent action is needed to safeguard the economy of Lancashire and to help it florish in the future.
It also states how Lancashire is a, “brilliant collective of brands, brains, products, people, places, services, heritage, land and opportunity, with huge potential for growth.”
The plan aims to immediately identify the sectors, occupations and places most severely impacted by the Coronavirus outbreak, and bring forward immediate solutions to lessen the impact.
It particularly focuses on the need to reopen towns, attractions, countryside and destinations, support industry to restart, stimulate business growth and align the workforce to the jobs that will be created.
Work will be done to understand the impact on businesses, workers and places as well as look at accelerating capital infrastructure projects to generate new jobs in the near future with the help of the Government.
The plan also outlines bringing forward a delivery programme to respond to the different needs of the county’s prime sectors, with a clear focus on business growth, job creation, skills and employment.
Councillor Geoff Driver CBE, leader of Lancashire County Council, said: “Lancashire has come together at this really difficult time to plan a way forward to protect our economy, and help it grow in the future.
“These plans provide an accurate blueprint of where we are now, and the challenges we face, and by working together we can show just how much the county, our residents and our businesses have to offer.”
Cllr Lynn Williams, acting executive leader of Blackpool Council, said: “Recovering from the impact of COVID-19 is the greatest challenge of our lifetime, which is why we must start planning now for a brighter, sustainable, more resilient future.
“It is so important that we support each other on the road to recovery. By working closely alongside neighbouring authorities and partner organisations, we will be able to share knowledge and make informed decisions together.
“Everyone involved is fully committed to making the right decisions for our businesses, residents and communities. Lancashire will come back stronger as a result of this collaborative effort.”
Councillor Phil Riley, Executive member for Growth and Development at Blackburn with Darwen Council, said: “We need to grasp any opportunity that has the potential to bring about investment to help with recovery. Supporting businesses and residents has to be a priority.”
Councillor David Henderson, Leader of Wyre Council, said: “We are pleased to be part of a wider offer to show that not only Wyre, but Lancashire is reopening for business. We are taking action, working with businesses and communities to ensure that our town centres reopen safely and we look forward to being a part of this vision for the county’s future.”
The report was produced by Lancashire County Council, Blackpool and Blackburn with Darwen Councils, Lancashire’s 12 district and borough councils, the LEP and other partners.
It can be found here: https://www.lancashire.gov.uk/media/917897/redefining-lancashire-our-approach-to-recovery-25-june-2020.pdf https://www.lancashire.gov.uk/media/917897/redefining-lancashire-our-approach-to-recovery-25-june-2020.pdf
