BUSINESS leaders and councillors have been appointed to a new team aimed at shaping the regeneration of Crewe - which will include spending a potential £25 million windfall.

Crewe Town Board will also help to oversee the delivery of other projects already in the pipeline, including revitalising the town centre and the HS2 station.

It says it wants to "to ensure all are aligned to the same vision" as it submits proposals to access up to £25 million funding made by the government under the Towns Fund deal. Crewe was one of 101 towns invited to share in the £3.6 billion cash pot.

The Board will develop a Town Investment Plan in partnership with Cheshire East, Crewe Town Council and local residents.

Doug Kinsman of Crewe-based SG World, which specialises in visitor management and safety systems, has been appointed to the chair of the board which is made up of 17 members. They are said to be key stakeholders with local knowledge who can influence Crewe's long-term economic growth. All those appointed have taken up voluntary roles.

"Crewe has so much potential and opportunity, but it has, for whatever reasons, consistently failed to make the most of its strengths and has become one of those towns that appears to have been "left-behind"," said Doug.

"I know many will believe we've been here before, but this time it's different. I volunteered for this position as we now have an unrivalled opportunity to change this narrative and write a new chapter in the history of Crewe.

"The government has asked us to develop a Town Investment Plan with local stakeholders and local residents will have a very important role to play in identifying the priorities that can make the biggest difference to them".

If the proposals are successful Crewe will receive the funding up to 2026 to support long-term economic growth.

Crewe MP, Dr Kieran Mullan MP, who is also a Board member, said: "The establishment of this team with voices from across the public, private and community sectors represents a crucial opportunity for us to work together, secure more government funding and have a very real impact for local people.

"I brought the Minister in charge of this fund to Crewe last year, so he could see for himself how important it was that we got the support we needed. It's important that we use this funding opportunity wisely to ensure that Crewe's potential as an economic powerhouse is realised.

"But I am very conscious that people have heard all this before. People will need to see results and that is exactly what I hope we can get for them - less talk more action."

Jasbir Dhesi, the Principal and Chief Executive of Cheshire College South & West added: "We need to drive the economic development to create the job prospects and the recreation, cultural and entertainment opportunities that inspires young people to stay, live and work in Crewe.

"Our role in this strategic initiative, as an education provider is to ensure the local labour pool has all of the skills, knowledge and ability to create a thriving labour market that can attract and retain high quality employers."

Crewe Town Council Leader and Cheshire East councillor Jill Rhodes said: "While some previous regeneration efforts have been affected by changing economic circumstances, the diverse mix of people on the Town Board will work hard together to make sure the impact of new investment will lead to success".

The Town Board has also secured £750,000 of government funding to spend on capital projects that can be delivered this year to aid the economic recovery from the impact of Covid-19.

All the members of the Board joined following an open invitation and appointment process which was approved by a Shadow Board established to undertake preliminary work in January of this year.