MERSEYSIDE may be boosted by a series of Coalition Government announcements next month designed to help the region.

Liberal Democrat deputy leader Simon Hughes hinted that measures he was working on involved job creation and apprenticeships. He added they are also designed to boost the economy and the party’s popularity locally.

Mr Hughes, during a visit to Liverpool on Saturday, said he was determined to make sure "we do not get wiped away as we did last year" in May’s local elections.

Last year the party only won two seats in Liverpool, its worst election result for a generation.

"We have got ideas about things, and if I can persuade Nick Clegg they will be really attractive.

"We need to be saying things that are good for Liverpool and Merseyside and are different from what the Labour party and the Conservatives are saying," he said.

"You will be pleasantly surprised if some of these ideas come off."

He said the government was already helping the area through the distribution of the Regional Growth Fund, but that it needs to go further.

"I am clear that we need to do more about jobs and apprenticeships.

"I was talking to some kids in West Derby this afternoon, some were saying ‘we need more skateboard parks and bike tracks’. There is plenty of land in Liverpool. We need to work out what can be done to build resources for young people."