By David Siddall

Last updated 15:05, Tuesday, 18 March 2008

CUMBRIA Vision would “do its utmost to support any plans to bring an up market hotel development to Whitehaven’s harbourside”.

This was one of the pledges made by newly appointed chairman, Roger Liddle, in an interview with The Whitehaven News.

Mr Liddle heads the 14-strong board of directors gathered from the public and private sectors to work closely with the Cumbria Vision team to press ahead with the regeneration organisation.

In his last post Mr Liddle was principal adviser to the President of the European Commission, where he was responsible for leading a team of economists advising on the economic and social challenges facing Europe.

Before this, he was a member of the cabinet of the EU Trade Commissioner and spent seven years as special adviser to the Prime Minister Tony Blair on Europe.

He will be working alongside chief executive Richard Greenwood as the board decides how to boost the area’s economy with funding via the North West Development Agency.

Mr Liddle told the News: “The big thing is how we make something from the Energy Coast Masterplan, that is the golden opportunity for West Cumbria. The hope is also the changes at Sellafield will lead to contracting firms permanently relocating their bases to our area. We hope to persuade them to base themselves here and then win extra work elsewhere, and not just nuclear work.

“We are already pressing ahead to enable the necessary skills base with the Skills Academy and the University of Cumbria campuses. We also want to attract more quality housing stock to the West.”

Of Whitehaven Mr Liddle said: “It is a great historic gem and Vision will do its utmost to help progress a much-needed quality harbourside hotel scheme.” He also saw the vision as linking up yachting marina bases at Whitehaven, Maryport, Barrow and Workington.