AN economic plan to establish New Brighton as a year-round destination and boost tourism has been submitted to government.

Aimed at attracting more day trippers and overnight stays to the town and increasing employment in the town, it is part of Wirral's Growth Plan, which outlines the council's plan to increase visitor spend to £450m by 2020.

It includes plans for developing an annual events programme and bringing life back to Marine Lake.

It also sets out the ambition to attract new hotel accommodation, the potential for a new outdoor gym and creation of an art trail.

The plan will be launched in spring as part of a public consultation process.

Cllr Pat Hackett, Wirral's cabinet member for business and tourism said: "New Brighton is rightly recognised as a regeneration success story, but there is still much potential to be tapped into.

"This blueprint will help us do that and boost the local economy.

"Through both the new Wirral Growth Plan and the economic plan for New Brighton we want to extend the appeal of the resort to new markets, and regenerate areas with potential for growth to bring further new businesses and jobs.

"I think by working together positively towards a shared vision to improve New Brighton, we can achieve great things for the local community."

The plans have been drawn up by New Brighton Coastal Community Team - a partnership of local businesses, voluntary and community groups and the council - which was awarded £10,000 by the government last year to develop a blueprint for the resort.

Its chair Tony Jones, said: "The collective vision for New Brighton is that it builds upon its strengths to become a year round premier destination, attracting increased day trippers and overnight stays and increasing employment, whilst supporting and responding to the needs of the local community."

To see a copy of the plan, visit www.wirral.gov.uk/newbrighton