Lancashire's backing for new calls for Prime Minister to act to help the North

The pressure group, made up of Northern Tory MPs, has called on the Prime Minister to take bold steps to "level up" the economy.

Geoff Mason, policy manager at the North & Western Lancashire Chamber of Commerce, said: "The promise to level-up the North made by the Prime Minister is one which must be followed through.

"This will require much investment to ensure opportunities are spread more evenly across the country. While public investment will be essential in areas like infrastructure and skills, private investment will also be needed if the effects of levelling-up are to be long-lasting."

He added: "Improving infrastructure is important but the true measure of success will be seen in whether the region is seen as desirable location for new and established businesses to move to.

"The Chamber remains supportive of getting the right investment made in the region and will keep enabling our local businesses get their needs heard by policy-makers."

Paul Foster, Development Manager for the Blackpool-based Federation of Small Businesses, said: "“These proposals are interesting and could help to generate significant economic growth.

"They are dependent though on inward investment, and the success from this does not come about overnight.

"Government must focus in the short term on improving our local economies through supporting the existing businesses, especially small businesses, in the area.

"Many are in difficulty and our research suggests 250,000 businesses across the UK could close this year if support is not extended."

Coun Matthew Brown, Leader of Preston City Council, said: “There has long been an economic disparity between the North and South with areas including Lancashire missing out on investment and opportunities afforded to other areas of the country.

“While the idea of more investment in the North of England is welcome, it is vital new investment is for the benefit of all and not just private shareholders.

"Any investment in our region must focus on creating sustainable employment opportunities that bring value to local communities and allow for growth that benefits all.

“Any changes to planning legislation must also be scrutinised carefully so that rushed applications for substandard or damaging developments are not hurried through the back door without the public having their say on matters affecting their communities."