BUDGET cuts of £8 million are among the challenges facing Halton in 2018, warns council leader Rob Polhill in his Christmas message.

Government cutbacks mean a loss of £63 per person in the coming year.

Cllr Polhill said: “This will mean taking some unpleasant decisions, which may result in the council reducing or stopping some of the services we provide and reducing our workforce even further.

“It is important for people to know that this situation is not of our making and that we will continue do all we can to deliver the services needed to protect the most vulnerable members of our community.

“I am confident that despite these challenges, our can-do approach and determination will mean Halton continues to thrive, becoming an even better place to live and work.”

However, the borough, he says, has a lot to be positive about.

“Our economy is beginning to improve with more people in work and more businesses open,”he said.

“This success is due to the hard work and commitment of the people living and working in Halton.

“The opening of the new Mersey Gateway has brought with it inward investment and a sense of confidence to the borough.

“A world-class centre for big-scale science is now open at Daresbury with a number of other key strategic freight and logistics assets.

“We have also seen the development of the old Crosville site in Runcorn with the opening of a drive-through Costa Coffee and the Ten Lock Flight pub restaurant.”