Staffordshire County Council's economic growth plan, which includes regenerating Leek as one of five "rural hub towns" in Staffordshire, will help the county prosper in the wake of the pandemic, the authority has said.

People and businesses in Staffordshire can now help to shape an eight-year plan setting out the county's economic growth priorities.

In addition to the main economic strategy for Staffordshire, people can also give feedback on a strategy for the rural economy.

Nub News reported recently how Staffordshire County Council's rural economic strategy includes supporting the regeneration of five "rural hub towns" – Cheadle, Leek, Rugeley, Stone and Uttoxeter.

Staffordshire County Council's deputy leader and cabinet member for economy and skills Philip White said: "Our main economic strategy underpins how we as a county council will help to steer Staffordshire's continued growth post pandemic, building on our strengths and successes and supporting our ambitions over the next eight years.

"It is a priority to us to ensure our communities have more opportunities through higher paid, higher skilled jobs. For us to achieve that goal we will lead on attracting major investment to the county – something we have demonstrated through delivery of projects like i54 South Staffordshire and the Stafford Western Access Route.

"We'll do all we can with our partners to support start-up and small businesses which employ thousands of people across Staffordshire. Our plan also focuses on our key transport routes – working with partners to improve them and making the most of our superb connectivity.

"Our rural economy has a good balance of traditional land industries such as farming and forestry, as well as sectors such as manufacturing, construction, services, food production and tourism.

"Making our economy stronger can only be done through close working with businesses themselves together with our district and borough councils and other partner organisations, meaning we can secure more funding from Government more effectively and attract new businesses to the county.

"We want to make sure we're getting this right and that partners and communities are involved. We hope people will take the time to give us their valued feedback through this month's consultation."

The consultation is open now and will close on May 30th. People can have their say by clicking here.