THE local economy could receive a staggering £25 million shot in the arm today (Thursday) which could safeguard and create around 13,000 jobs.

Council chiefs at St Helens town hall are keeping their fingers crossed that we will be successful when a government announcement is made by Deputy Prime Minister, John Prescott, over the latest round of grants for funding urban regeneration.

St Helens has put in a bid which would ignite a mighty momentum for the town's economy and secure or create as many as 13,000 jobs.

The results of the bids are still top secret as the Star goes to press. But it follows the submission of detailed proposals by the council and its local partners, Ravenhead Renaissance.

Previous cash grants from the single regeneration budget have already supported many schemes around St Helens and Newton-le-Willows.

If St Helens receives the full £25 million this time it could be one of the biggest awards ever made on Merseyside.

Said council leader, Marie Rimmer: "We are extremely hopeful that we can land this very good news for St Helens."

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