CHESHIRE East Council has pledged to bring benefits for residents and businesses after joining forces with Cheshire West and Chester Council and Warrington Borough Council.

The three authorities have vowed to share their expertise to tackle shared challenges such as providing affordable homes, improving transport infrastructure, tackling climate change and improving skills and training.

The leaders of the three councils came together to sign an historic agreement at the Cheshire East headquarters at Westfields in Sandbach.

They agreed that Cheshire and Warrington should play a greater role in the future of the North West region - one of the most prosperous and economically successful areas of the UK.

The pledge will be taken forward by a leadership board - which will also include Halton Borough Council - and a supporting management team comprising each of the three councils’ chief executives, together with Cheshire Police and Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service.

A series of working groups will be established to tackle issues such as prosperity, climate change and learning and skills.

And a forum enabling other sub-regional organisations such as town and parish councils to become involved will also be set up.

Cheshire East Council Leader Wesley Fitzgerald said: "Cheshire and Warrington is a strong and vibrant sub-region and by working together we can build on this strength to enable the area to really punch its weight in the North West and nationally.

"We are particularly keen to involve the business community in this process."

Cheshire West and Chester leader Mike Jones added: "Co-operation between local authorities, the police and fire and rescue services will mean more effective coordination of public services.

"The new arrangement bodes well for the future and will make a real difference to the future of the people of Cheshire and businesses throughout the county.

"There has been concern that Cheshire would lose its regional/national influence when the county split. This agreement will ensure that it retains a powerful voice in this respect."

The group agreed that the three key regional agencies - the Northwest Regional Development Agency (NWDA), Government Office for the North West and the Homes and Communities Agency - should have an active involvement in the partnership.

NWDA chief executive Steven Broomhead said: "By working in partnership the councils will secure a stronger and more effective Cheshire and Warrington.

"This agreement has significant benefits for local residents but also the wider North West region which will benefit from a more prosperous Cheshire and Warrington. We look forward to supporting the leaders in generating a sustainable and vibrant economy in the sub-region."