The MP for Clwyd South believes the appointment of a Wrexham county councillor as the new leader of the Mersey Dee Alliance (MDA) will be beneficial for areas including Chirk.

Simon Baynes MP has welcomed the news that Wrexham County Borough Council (WCBC) leader, Councillor Mark Pritchard, has taken over as leader of the MDA.

Mr Baynes is hopeful the appointment of Cllr Pritchard as the new leader will help to bring benefits to Chirk and its neighbouring areas in Clwyd South.

He believes it provides an opportunity for ‘much-needed investment’ in the area.

“The MDA is a prime example of how we can and should be working alongside neighbouring areas in England and Wales to strengthen our local economy and bring much needed investment to Clwyd South and North Wales,” he said.

The Clwyd South MP was keen to congratulate Cllr Pritchard on his new role, and believes he is the right person for the job.

He added: “I know from experience of working with county Cllr Pritchard in Clwyd South that he’ll do an excellent job of leading the MDA and standing up for the people of our region.

“I want to congratulate Mark and wish him the very best in his new role.

“I look forward to continuing to work alongside him to benefit Clwyd South and North Wales as a whole.”

The MDA is a partnership comprising of representatives from the Welsh Government, WCBC, Wrexham Glyndŵr University, Cheshire West and Chester Council, Flintshire County Council, Liverpool City Region (represented by Wirral Council) and the University of Chester.

It aims to support strategic economic growth across the regions of North East Wales, West Cheshire and Wirral by working to enhance the profile and identity of the North Wales and North West border.

MDA also looks to maintain and develop the area’s competitiveness, support key business sectors alongside skills, employment and inclusive growth, and continue to exert influence to bring about improved economic infrastructure for the region.