A CASH injection to stimulate the region’s economy is set to take place as the North Wales Growth Deal is agreed.

Minister for North Wales, Clwyd South AM Ken Skates, cabinet secretary for economy and transport, says Heads of Terms are set to be signed on the North Wales Growth Deal in early 2019.

The growth deal is an agreed pledge of public, private and third party money being added together specifically to generate projects, schemes and businesses to kickstart the area’s economy and employment prospects.

It is spearheaded by the North Wales Economic Ambition Board, which is made up of the six North Wales councils, education institutions, and back by MPs and AMs in a cross-party collaboration.

Despite hopes for a larger contribution from the UK Government, the £120 million Westminster has put forward for the deal will be matched by a £120m infrastructure investment from the Welsh Government to pump money into North Wales.

Speaking to the Leader, Mr Skates said he hoped the UK Government would add more funding, and if it did so, then it would be matched by the Welsh Government.

He said: “More money should be spent in Wales and we will increase and drive prosperity.

“The Growth Deal is designed to create an environment in which businesses can create more jobs, especially those based in industries which are the jobs of tomorrow.”

Mr Skates said he hoped that over time the deal would provide a significant opportunity for jobs to be created, and skills in Wrexham and Flintshire.

“It means getting to grips with shortcomings in our digital infrastructure, broadband and ensuring there is a better connection with across the border,” he said.

“These projects will improve the digital and roads infrastructure, and areas this region is already very strong in such as advanced manufacturing, and take the local economy from average to excellent and higher still.

“The Growth Deal will be delivered over a number of years and is financed by the private and public sector and we hope that the UK Government contributes more to it.

“The Heads of Terms will be signed in 2019 and delivery of the project will begin at the end of 2019, and the start of 2020.

“It is really important that each project has long-term impact.”