Leader of Wrexham Council appointed as chairman of Mersey Dee Alliance

The Leader of Wrexham Council has been appointed chairman of the Mersey Dee Alliance (MDA).

Councillor Mark Pritchard has taken over as chair of the cross-border partnership, which supports business, jobs and infrastructure across North East Wales, West Cheshire and Wirral.

He will lead the partnership over the next two years – building on the work of his predecessor, Councillor Louise Gittins of Cheshire West and Chester.

Cllr Pritchard be supported by vice chair, Councillor Stuart Whittingham of Wirral Metropolitan Borough Council.

The aim will be to further develop the economic potential of key employment sites across the region – with the the MDA focusing on – cross-border transport connectivity, skills and employment, digital infrastructure and low carbon / clean growth.

These include Wirral Waters (part of Mersey Waters Enterprise Zone), Deeside Enterprise Zone, Wrexham Industrial Estate and Technology Park, Chester and Ellesmere Port (part of the Cheshire Science Corridor Enterprise Zone).

Cllr Pritchard explains: “The region is already very successful in economic terms. But if we want to build on that, and encourage more investment, we need to make progress with these four key areas.

“Better transport links – both road and rail – will be absolutely crucial to support business operations and supply chains.

“They’ll also make it easier for people to commute – providing more job opportunities and helping firms tap into the wider workforce.

“We also need to support the right skills within our communities. That’s a key factor in persuading employers to invest and create jobs.”

Cllr Pritchard also says the Covid-19 pandemic has further highlighted the importance of good digital infrastructure for both regional and national economies.

“Now more than ever, businesses need the internet to survive and thrive,” said Cllr Pritchard.

“First class digital connectivity is no longer an optional extra…it’s an absolute must.

“Finally, we need to make sure that economic growth in the Mersey Dee region is kind to the environment. It needs to be clean and low carbon.

“That’s really important for quality of life, and again a key factor in attracting investment.”

Established in 2007, the MDA is a strong and experienced partnership – influencing key decision-makers to attract investment to the area.

Councillor Pritchard adds: “I’m looking forward to representing the MDA and helping to make sure the region’s best interests are supported.

“Wrexham, Cheshire, Wirral and Flintshire are wonderful places in their own right, with their own unique identities. But we also have an incredibly strong economic bond, and our voice is so much more powerful and persuasive when we work together.

“With so many talented and committed organisations and individuals, the MDA can continue to secure investment for the region.

“It’s a challenging time for the UK economy, but I’m excited about the future.”