Action has been taken to drive forward projects which could create up to 3,000 jobs in Ellesmere Port.

It follows a successful bid to win £6m from business secretary Dr Vince Cable’s Regional Growth Fund (RGF).

Programme manager Audrey Gaffney has been taken on by the Ellesmere Port Development Board and Cheshire West and Chester Council to implement schemes on five key sites – Hooton Park, Port Bridgewater, the former BP Castrol and Cabot Carbon sites and Newport Business Park at New Bridge Road.

The £6m funding is to be used to help unlock the locations for business and employment.

Works will include the construction and upgrading of roads, remediation of land, improved transport links and environmental improvements.

Up to 3,000 jobs are expected to be created as a result of the investment.

Development Board chairman Robert Mee said: “It is with great pleasure that I can say we are now in a position to see real results following our successful bid for RGF funds earlier this year.

“We have successfully created Ellesmere Port as a location that is recognised as business and investment-friendly.

“I know that over the next three years Audrey’s work will make a big difference to businesses already operating in the town and indeed those who choose to come here.

“Work can now begin on the five strategic sites we highlighted within our bid to ensure that they are capable of attracting businesses, meeting the needs of companies of all sizes and ensuring transport links for local people looking for work.”

Borough council leader Cllr Mike Jones (Con) said: “This £6m capped off an incredibly successful year for Ellesmere Port, which included announcements from GM Vauxhall and Jaguar Land Rover and the unveiling of the Marks and Spencer flagship store.

“I am pleased to see we are now at a point where we can start works.

“As well as the potential of creating up 3,000 jobs there could also be a further 1,600 indirect jobs in supporting the companies which could be based in Ellesmere Port.

“This is yet another example of what a great place Ellesmere Port is to invest in.”

“The council will continue to support businesses if they are interested in looking at investing in the town in any way we can.”