CHESHIRE has a major part to play in ensuring a strong economy across the whole region.

That’s the New Year message from the Government’s Minister for the North West, Beverley Hughes.

And the politician, raised in Ellesmere Port, pledges to champion Cheshire in 2008.

Since her appointment six months ago, Ms Hughes has focused on understanding the different challenges in different parts of the region, on looking after its interests in Whitehall and representing central government in the North West.

She has crossed the region on fact-finding visits, including a visit to Ellesmere Port in November.

According to the Minister, one of the top challenges facing the North West is the drawing up a strategy with a single vision to improve economic performance and tackle deprivation by joining up policies around jobs, housing, transport and the environment.

She said: “I was proud to be asked by the Prime Minister to be the Minister for the North West, because this is my home region and I identify, first and foremost, with the North West.

“I have lived and worked in the region all of my life and during the last six months I have gained a more in-depth knowledge of the people and places across the region through local visits and meetings in London.

“The decision on local government reorganisation in Cheshire has now been decided, I know all parties will continue to work together for a Cheshire wide benefit.

“I look forward to championing the region in 2008 and working together with you to improve the quality of life and life chances of everyone in the North West.”

Ms Hughes added: “Cheshire is a prosperous and economically vibrant place to live but there are pockets of deprivation.

“The local authorities that are successfully turning areas of deprivation around are those that have brought together their planning, transport, environment and economic development resources to deliver solutions.”

The Minister went on: “Cheshire has already identified the demographic changes that will bring an increasingly ageing population and started to think about what this will mean and how the quality of life can be maintained.

“Over the next two to three years we face a great deal of change, but this is a tremendous opportunity to make a difference to local families and communities throughout our region.

“Cheshire has a major contribution to take in improving economic development.

“In seizing that opportunity we must not forget the difficulties faced by livestock farmers this year in the wake of foot and foot and mouth disease and blue tongue and look forward to better times to come.”