The Chief Executive of Preston City Council says the city can look to a “bright future” as plans to redefine Lancashire after lockdown have been published.

Adrian Phillips made the comment after the Council worked with other local authorities, the Lancashire Enterprise Partnership and partners to create a vision of how the county can form a key part of rebuilding the UK economy. The plan, which has been sent to the Prime Minister for consideration, has now been published.

The document explains how urgent action is needed to safeguard the economy of Lancashire and to help it florish in the future. 

It also states how Lancashire is a “brilliant collective of brands, brains, products, people, places, services, heritage, land and opportunity, with huge potential for growth”.

The plan aims to identify the sectors, occupations and places most severely impacted by the coronavirus outbreak, and bring forward solutions to lessen the impact and generate new jobs.

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It particularly focuses on the need to reopen towns, attractions, countryside and destinations, support industry to restart, stimulate business growth, and align the workforce to the jobs that will be created. 

Speaking about the plan, Adrian Phillips said: “The impact of Covid-19 has been felt strongly by communities and businesses in Preston.

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“As we look to economic recovery Community Wealth Building has an important role to play in ensuring our economic system builds wealth and prosperity for all with a commitment to championing strong communities and local economic growth.

“This project will help our economy reopen and bring about a bold and bright future for the region with much needed investment.”

Read more: Preston City Council to explore ‘bold ambition’ for combined authority for Lancashire

Councillor Geoff Driver CBE, leader of Lancashire County Council, said: “Lancashire has come together at this really difficult time to plan a way forward to protect our economy, and help it grow in the future. 

“These plans provide an accurate blueprint of where we are now, and the challenges we face, and by working together we can show just how much the county, our residents and our businesses have to offer.”

Read more: See the latest Preston news and headlines

What do you think of the plan? Let us know in the comments.