ST HELENS Council's economic plan towards achieving the future prosperity of the borough has been given the green light.

The Economic Development Plan, which covers 2001 to 2006, will be launched in April, after consideration by the full council.

The plan sets out the measures that all the key agencies in St Helens intend to carry out to improve the borough's economy. It seeks to stabilise the population and tackle social exclusion by sustaining existing employment and providing new job opportunities.

This will be realised by further increasing the status of St Helens within the region as a location for sustainable economic development, attracting new investment, enhancing educational attainment and promoting job growth.

The council's strategy is based on strong partnership while continuing with tested and proven initiatives, complemented by new approaches to economic regeneration.

Local firms and other organisations have praised the council for its wide-ranging consultation with them over the plan which has included a business questionnaire and focus group, business articles, a local graduate survey and circulation of the plan to libraries, secondary schools and job centres.

Councillor John Fletcher, Portfolio Member for Economic Development, said: "The plan will make a vital contribution to realising a broad vision for the future of the borough developed with the community to mark the Millennium. Future updates will review the strategy and will spotlight priority areas for further years".