CREATING jobs and attracting investment are two of the key aims of Merseyside’s new ‘super council’, says Halton Council’s leader.

Clr Rob Polhill was speaking after attending the first meeting of the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority on the 40th anniversary of the creation of ‘Merseyside’.

It consists of council leaders from Halton, Knowsley, St Helens, Sefton and Wirral, the Mayor of Liverpool Joe Anderson and Robert Hough, chairman of the Local Enterprise Partnership.

Clr Polhill said: “It puts Halton in a good position as it gives us a stronger voice for governance.

“We have gone into this with the purpose of regeneration and economic development, working together for the better of the region.

“Halton people will be able to have a go at jobs which come into any area through inward investment.”

Wirral council leader Clr Phil Davies was appointed chairman.

Members agreed unanimously to use Liverpool City Region as its name.

Clr Polhill added: “We feel Liverpool is a brand name throughout the world, not just nationally.

“It will be good for the economy.

“This is not about losing Halton’s identity. It is about sharing and pooling our resources which are vast if they are combined.

“We can lever in investors for the betterment of us all.

“I feel very positive about it. We want to get the best we can for Halton residents.”

An update on High Speed Rail and the Liverpool City Region growth plan were discussed at the inaugural meeting.

The next meeting, the annual meeting, will be held on Friday, June 13, at Mann Island, Liverpool. The public can attend.