THE interests of Halton will be heard more clearly across the North West after the appointment of the borough’s leader to a crucial regional agency.

Halton Council leader, Cllr Tony McDermott, has become a member on the board of the North West Regional Development Agency.

He will be joined by four other new appointees to the 15-man board, and the role lasts until December 2010.

Cllr McDermott said: “The NWDA is very much the main economic driver for the North West, it has taken over responsibility for strategic planning in areas including housing and transport.

“It’s important for Halton to be at the table where the decisions are being made. I am looking forward to being part of it.

“The role is not just to represent people – which is important – but also to represent Halton on outside bodies. It will be very, very fruitful.”