‘Too early to assess impact of Brexit’

of the electorate in Runcorn and Widnes voted to leave the EU, compared to 42.6% of those who wanted the UK to remain.

Though the draft document said Brexit is already having an impact on Halton’s economy, it is ‘not yet possible’ to evaluate whether the overall impact will be negative or positive in the long term.

It said: “In some instances, there is uncertainty in the market regarding inward investment decisions.

“On the other hand, some companies are looking to consolidate their UK location with an interest in investing in existing sites in Halton.”

The impact of the Mersey Gateway Bridge – which opened to traffic last October – is also mentioned.

As with Brexit, the plan said it is ‘too early’ to evaluate the Mersey Gate- way’s impact on the borough’s economy, particularly due to the former’s ‘wider macro-economic factors’.

Despite this, research to date ‘points’ to a net increase in the number of businesses based in Runcorn and Widnes.

The document said: “In the future, it is probable that emerging trends will be sector specific. For example, some businesses report improved productivity as a result of reduced journey times, whilst others in the logistics and distribution industry refer to increased costs as a result of tolling.

“From a regeneration perspective, the Mersey Gateway will present opportunities, not just in terms of hand back land available but also sites which become viable as a result of changes to the road infrastructure.”