INCREASING the local population by 100,000 is a key aim of Cheshire West and Chester Council.

CWaC is one of three local authorities included in the Cheshire and Warrington Local Enterprise Partnership which has ambitions to grow the regional economy by at least £10 billion – creating more than 20,000 jobs – and increase the local population by 100,000 by 2030.

Council policy manager Fil Prevc, writing in County Beacon magazine, said the borough was well placed to grow despite the crisis.

He wrote: “Even in today’s challenging economic climate we believe our part of the country has real potential to grow, having a significant competitive advantage that can attract business and create jobs.

“We are fortunate in having a knowledge-rich economy that has a strong enterprise culture; we have a well educated and skilled workforce and are able to offer a well connected geographical location alongside high quality semi-rural and rural life.

“The council is working hard to ensure that investors are aware of what the area can offer and recognise its potential”.

Mr Prevc said there was an intention to maximise the use of the £8.9m allocated to the LEP through the Growing Places Fund and make the most of investment opportunities through European funding.

He added: “We are also on track to deliver a new flagship Marks and Spencer’s store – the largest outside London – that will create 350 new jobs in construction and retail.

“Over 1,000 jobs are expected from the development of a central business quarter in Chester. “As a predominantly rural authority, the economy will benefit from superfast broadband, with an initial investment of £3.24m, it is estimated that support could be given for the creation of 5,500 jobs.”