ALL three of Lancashire's bids for economic partnerships to tap into a new £1.4bn regional growth fund have today been rejected by the Government.

The county was notable by its absence from the list of 24 Local Enterprise Partnerships (LEPs) given the go-ahead today by Business Secretary Vince Cable.

Three separate bids from Lancashire, including one from the county council, one for East Lancashire, and one for Wyre, Fylde and Blackpool, did not win approval.

Across the North West, bids by Cumbria, Greater Manchester, Liverpool City and Cheshire with Warrington were all included in the list.

LEPs are set to replace regional development agencies to drive the economy at local level via public and private sector partnerships.

They will be able to submit funding bids for a share in the regional growth fund and will need to find their own day-to-day running costs.

Reaction

Geoff Driver, leader of Lancashire County Council, said: "Naturally we are disappointed that LEP status hasn't been approved.

"It's important that we now focus on making sure Lancashire doesn't lose out as a result.

"I've already started contacting my local authority leader colleagues throughout the county to get together quickly to ensure Lancashire plays its full part in improving the economic prosperity of the North West.

"The bid documents prepared for LEPs in Lancashire highlighted the huge potential for economic development across a range of industries, not least because of a talented, committed workforce and excellent academic institutions.

"It! is vital the public and private sectors keep forging links that will enable us to realise this potential and drive growth across the whole of Lancashire."

Wyre Borough Council leader Peter Gibson: "Now it is clear that the Fylde Coast bid does not meet with Government approval we will wait to hear their suggestions on how we move things forward.

"Personally, I think an LEP should be based on a travel-to-work area with a shared economic geography. This is what the Government seemed to be asking for and this is what the Fylde Coast LEP bid represented.

"Having said that, whatever structure is decided on, Wyre will work closely with its partners to bring the most benefit for its residents and the Fylde Coast as a whole."

Ed Cox, director of think tank the Institute For Policy Research North, said: "It is extremely concerning that some areas with high economic development needs have not yet established LEPs - places like Tyneside, Hull and Humber and Lancashire.

"Unless they hurry up they will miss the boat on this round of the Regional Growth Fund”.