THE Minister for Local Growth and the Northern Powerhouse, James Wharton, highlighted the importance of Cheshire and Warrington in Government's plans for the Northern Powerhouse.

LEP board member and well-known music mogul Pete Waterman welcomed the minister to the north west on Monday evening to discuss the key growth opportunities across the area including plans for HS2 and the major re-development of Crewe, as well as the assets identified along Cheshire's Science Corridor and the £300million economic regeneration project happening at Chester city centre.

James Wharton SAID: "The north west has a major role to play in the success of the Northern Powerhouse and today's visit has shown just how much is happening on the ground.

"I have been really impressed with the level of close cooperation I have seen today between the private sector, councils and local enterprise partnerships, and I have seen at first hand some really impressive results which are already driving growth."

On Tuesday the Cheshire and Warrington Enterprise Partnership hosted the minister as he met with council leaders from the three local authorities along with several LEP Board Members, to discuss the wealth of economic opportunity at key locations in the sub-region.

Local authority leaders highlighted the areas where devolved powers could help to accelerate further economic growth across Cheshire and Warrington.

LEP board member and managing director of TATA Chemicals, Dr Martin Ashcroft, said: "The minister's visit has reinforced the importance of Cheshire and Warrington within Government's vision for the Northern Powerhouse.

"We will continue to explore the opportunities for devolved powers and will work closely with neighbouring LEP's to ensure that Cheshire and Warrington plays a key role in the future of the north."

The day included a visit to Birchwood Park and Jodrell Bank, the HQ for the world's largest telescope, to discuss the science and innovation contribution to growth with Director of The Jodrell Bank Discovery Centre, Teresa Anderson.

Potential ERDF and Enterprise Zone bids were also on the agenda at the home of the iconic Lovell Radio telescope.