ST HELENS Council leader Mike Doyle led a Merseyside delegation putting across their views to the new Minister for Regeneration and the Regions, Richard Caborn.

Mr Caborn who is seen as a very important figure in Merseyside's continuing resurgence, was in Liverpool on a fact-finding mission.

Councillor Doyle said he welcomed the Government proposals for the region and stressed that Merseyside will play a full part in the agenda.

"Discussions have taken place with the Government for their continued support for funding after 1999. It is vital to Merseyside and, of course, St Helens, that the special status accorded to it by the European Community through regional policy continues.

"The EC grants have and will continue to be a vital cash flow lifeline in helping the council efforts along with other organisations to regenerate industry and jobs in the borough," he said.

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