An ambitious bid to net up to £25 million of Government cash for Workington has taken an important leap forward.

Leading councillors on the authority have agreed to create a Town Deal Board, a vital stepping stone in the process to win the vital funding package.

Under the plans, the 15-strong team made up representatives from the public, private and voluntary sectors will shape the investment plans.

The Government launched the Towns Fund initiative in November and invited more than 100 towns to develop proposals, with Workington lucky enough to be among those shortlisted.

The scheme’s aim is to address “constraints to growth” such as poor transport links, bad internet connectivity and a dearth of training opportunities.

Described by council leader Marion Fitzgerald as a “fantastic opportunity” for Workington, the cash boost would also help to regenerate derelict sites across the town.

The board has until summer this year to develop its investment plan which will then be put to the Government for consideration.

Part of the £162,019 earmarked for the project will be used to fund the role of a dedicated officer to spearhead the work of the board.

Council chiefs have said it is “essential” that a cross-section of the community is represented on the board and also consulted on the emerging plans.

The board would include a county councillor, a member of Cumbria Local Enterprise Partnership, a town councillor as well as representatives from the worlds of education, health and retail.

Under the proposals, a faith group, Allerdale councillors, the MP Mark Jenkinson and at least two major employers will be invited to join the group.

Council leader Marion Fitzgerald said: “Workington has been very fortunate in being selected by central Government to take part in the towns deal initiative, the aim being to address constraints to growth in the town.

“This could include improving transport and digital infrastructure, providing skills and training programmes, redeveloping vacant buildings or investing in social, cultural or heritage assets.

“Government funding has been provided to develop the town investment plan which will be submitted to Government later this year.

“If successful, it could deliver up to £25m worth of investment in Workington.

“The first step of the process is to establish a town deal board which will act in an advisory capacity to the council.”

Paul Scott, the Executive Member for Transformation, described the Town Deal as a “fantastic opportunity for Workington” which would make a “great deal of difference” to the lives of its residents.

However, he sought assurances that the authority would be able to deliver the plans by the Government timescale of summer this year.

Mrs Fitzgerald admitted it was “quite a tight deadline” but stressed that she was “confident” the board would meet it and was “hoping for a great outcome”.

Workington has become the second town to establish a Town Deal Board in Cumbria.

Barrow Town Deal Board is set to meet for the first time this month as exclusively revealed by in-Cumbria.

Its creation comes as it emerged Furness Economic Development Forum had folded after its funding had dried up.

The body had led efforts to revitalise the economic across the entire Furness area.

Details of what arrangements are in place to lead efforts outside the Barrow Town Deal Board’s area of coverage – Barrow town and Walney – are yet to emerge.