AN economic growth plan for North Wales needs backing in the UK Government's Budget plans, says Wrexham MP Ian Lucas.

North Wales Economic Ambition Board - a body made up of six councils as well as firms, universities and colleges - submitted a bid in 2016 with the hope it could generate £671m of investment and create around 5,500 jobs in the region.

But the deal can only go ahead with funding from the UK and Welsh governments and Mr Lucas says funds must be unlocked in Westminster as the deal is now ‘ready to proceed’ and momentum for the project would be lost otherwise.

Mr Lucas has written to Chancellor Philip Hammond in his capacity as chair of the all-party parliamentary group for the North Wales and Mersey Dee regions urging him to back the bid. He wants the Chancellor to make a ‘substantive announcement’ in his Budget next Monday.

“A detailed growth bid for the region has now been lodged, which we believe is ready to proceed. In order to maintain the momentum which has developed we believe that it is now necessary for UK Government and Welsh Government to make a substantive announcement in this year‘s Budget that the new North Wales Growth Deal will proceed," said Mr Lucas.

“MPs have worked very closely with local government on both sides of the border and, particularly, with the six councils in North Wales. We have also engaged very closely with business in the region. If successful, the bid would develop the region’s industry and infrastructure, covering everything from education to digital connectivity and transport."

The MP's letter follows a meeting at Westminster between North Wales MPs and Mims Davies, who was recently-appointed Parliamentary Under Secretary at the Wales Office.

Mr Lucas added: “North Wales is a dynamic region with strategic centres in advanced manufacturing. We are very anxious that we begin to create the type of infrastructure to support our regional economy in the way that we believe it deserves."