County Councillor Julie Gibson, Shadow Cabinet Member for Economic Development, Environment and Planning has called on the Tory-led administration at the County Council to start planning for life after Brexit.

Cllr. Gibson - better known around Ormskirk as a local postie - said: “Regardless of our personal views on the issue, there is a very real need for the Council to start planning for life after Brexit.

"I recently asked the Cabinet Member for Economic Development, Environment and Planning what plans were in place for this and what discussions had started taking place with businesses to plan for post March 2019. I was concerned to find out that very little work, if any, had been done on this – his response was that he was waiting for national Government to tell him what to do.

"I am particularly concerned about what will replace the EU funding of which Lancashire, through the Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) was allocated some £232million for the years 2014-2020 (figs from LEP Draft Structural and Investment Funds Strategy for Lancashire 2014 – 2020 published Sept 2015). This funding has played a crucial part in supporting City Deals throughout the County and the 'Boost' programme which has benefited a number of businesses in West Lancashire.”

She continued: “As a result of its recent White Paper, national Government has announced that it is to set up a Brexit delivery board which will look to engage with Local Government about life after Brexit. But with just over seven months left before we are set to leave the EU this will be a very tight timescale to engage with and is a case of 'too little too late'.

"As someone who has worked within European funded regeneration programmes, I know what a vital part this funding has played in re-vitalising local communities, and supporting small and large businesses and how devastating it could be if there is any delay in replacing these funds. I will be calling on Lancashire County Council to engage as a matter of urgency with this Board to avoid it being left behind and to provide re-assurance and certainty to communities and businesses within the Lancashire economy.”