Runcorn is set to receive  £20m of new government investment, but Widnes will not get a penny - sparking criticism from local leaders and claims the money is little more than 'smoke and mirrors'.

Chancellor Jeremy Hunt announced the investment package in yesterday's spring budget, with an expansion of the government's existing long term plan for towns scheme to include another 20 areas, including Runcorn.

The money will be invested over the next decade and is additional to £23.6m already earmarked for Runcorn town centre in 2021. That money - part of the government's levelling up agenda - has since been earmarked for seven projects, including an expansion of The Brindley, new youth hub and work to reconnect the town centre’s canals and waterways.

But East Runcorn MP Mike Amesbury was less than impressed by the announcement.  He said: "If genuine, this is something myself and Labour colleagues such as Halton MP Derek Twigg, whose constituency includes West Runcorn, and council leaders would be happy to welcome. We have been screaming out for more regeneration money for our communities and there was disappointment when a Levelling Up bid for East Runcorn was rejected by ministers last year.

"As usual, smoke and mirrors are at play especially given this money would be spread over several years and there could very well be a change of Government soon in any event."

He added: "Bear in mind, Government cuts have seen millions of pounds snatched from the Halton community since 2010."

And speaking at last night’s meeting of Full Council at Runcorn Town Hall, deputy council leader Dave Thompson welcomed the new money, but warned the existing projects were already facing financial pressures due to the rise in inflation since the money was awarded in 2021.

He told members: “I’m really disappointed that today the Chancellor didn't even go as far as to add a commitment to awarding any funding whatsoever to Widnes town centre, which also faces challenges."

The newly allocated money is from a different fund to that announced in 2021, known as the long term plan for towns. It will be received over the course of a decade, with the council having to provide a plan over how it will be spent.

The full list of towns awarded new money is: Royal Sutton Coldfield, Darlington, Runcorn, Canvey Island, Thetford, King’s Lynn, Ramsgate, Eastbourne, Harlow, Newton-le-Willows, Rawtenstall, Wisbech, Carlton (Gedling), Bedworth, Arbroath, Peterhead, Kirkwall, Rhyl, Derry/Londonderry, and Colerain.