Agenda item

(a)       That the Committee supports the ‘Growth Vision for the Economy of North Wales’ as the basis for negotiation with the UK and Welsh Governments over a Growth Bid for the region; and

(b)       That the Committee supports and endorses the prospectus for Rail Improvement ‘Growth Track 360’.

Councillor Derek Butler introduced a report accompanied by ‘A Growth Vision for the Economy of North Wales’ which set out regional ambitions on infrastructure development, skills and employment, and business growth.  Also received was the ‘Growth Track 360’ prospectus on rail improvement across North Wales and the Mersey Dee area, which had been developed with various key partners.  The documents, which had been shared with the UK Government and Welsh Government (WG), were being submitted to all six North Wales authorities for adoption and a further regional document on skills had been produced.  In stressing the importance of Flintshire’s position, Councillor Butler said that the cross-border growth bid was unique in the UK.

The Service Manager (Enterprise and Regeneration) gave an overview of the report which followed an earlier report on the Regional Economy.  He described it as a realistic vision with carefully focussed aims, which had been the subject of positive discussions with Ministers.  The vision was ambitious in seeking improved sustainable economic growth and employment opportunities for North Wales, with particular focus on the advanced manufacturing, energy and digital sectors.  Devolved powers were being sought to deliver local priorities and the vision supported the developing strategy for the Northern Powerhouse and would link with the growth bid by Cheshire and Warrington Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP).

Councillor Ian Dunbar referred to the cost implications of the rail prospectus but supported the vision for growth and welcomed the benefits to local industry.  He asked about progress of discussions with new WG Ministers and potential changes to future plans.  The Chief Officer (Community & Enterprise) said that if the funding could be secured, this would be invested on early priorities to make improvements on the Wrexham to Bidston route, provide faster trains along the coast, upgrade stations and improve the overall customer experience.  Whilst WG had given a commitment to support the growth vision, negotiations with the WG and UK Government would continue on priorities, investment and collaboration to deliver schemes.  There would continue to be capital investment in major infrastructure programmes, for example the commitment by WG to ease congestion along the Deeside corridor through consultation on the Red and Blue routes.

Councillor Butler referred to the positive relationship and shared aspirations built up between the Council and the Mersey Dee Alliance over the years.

Whilst Councillor Rosetta Dolphin welcomed the report and understood the focus on the Deeside area, she raised concerns that other areas of the county could miss out on investment.  She also suggested that a workshop on the work carried out within the Economy & Enterprise portfolio could be of use to the Committee.

Councillor Hilary Isherwood welcomed the plans and acknowledged the traffic problems along the Deeside strip, but shared concerns about the benefits to other areas of the county, particularly in more rural areas.  She spoke about the WG wanting more housing developments but stated the importance of having a proper infrastructure in place first, supported by appropriate bus services giving young people access to employment.

The Chief Officer agreed to the suggested workshop.  She gave assurances that the proposals were to benefit the whole of the county in terms of improving transport links and journey times, and attracting investment.  The aim was for a fully integrated transport strategy, with investment to improve the infrastructure and connectivity to bus services.  The request for devolved powers would provide an opportunity to develop a regional transport body and explore a regional careers service, identifying skills and apprenticeships needed to support areas of growth.

Councillor Butler drew attention to the strategic projects to support the growth bid, including that on ‘localised access to employment opportunities’.

Councillor Bernie Attridge said that the importance of adequate bus services in rural areas was recognised and that work on community transport and hubs would be paramount in helping people to access employment.

Whilst Councillor Peter Curtis supported the Deeside hub, he felt that this should not be at the expense of smaller communities.  He welcomed the ambitions of the report and opportunities to improve and modernise customer experience for train users, but felt that the electrification of railway lines could be restricted along some areas of the coastal route.

Concerning a question on the WG consultation on the Deeside corridor, Councillor Attridge explained the requirement for the Council to respond.  Points raised by Councillor Hardcastle included the need to address congestion issues along Aston Hill and even more so at the interchange with Mold.

In welcoming the report, Councillor David Roney pointed out major issues along the coast road and the need for access to train services from Mostyn, whilst Councillor Ron Davies highlighted road issues in Queensferry.

Councillor Butler said that a pragmatic approach had been taken to the proposals and that the delivery of a number of ‘quick wins’ could open up other opportunities.

RESOLVED:

(a)       That the Committee supports the ‘Growth Vision for the Economy of North Wales’ as the basis for negotiation with the UK and Welsh Governments over a Growth Bid for the region; and

(b)       That the Committee supports and endorses the prospectus for Rail Improvement ‘Growth Track 360’.