THE Wee County has taken a major step forward in securing major city deal funding, with an announcement from London earlier this afternoon.

Clacks and Stirling councils have been working together on a joint programme to attract significant investment from the UK and Scottish governments.

And today, in the House of Commons, the Chancellor of the Exchequer Philip Hammond confirmed that formal negotiations would begin on establishing the Stirling City Deal.

The investment, which could total at more than £500million, is one for the region with Clackmannanshire a major part of the proposals.

Subject to a successful bid, the Advertiser understands that as much as £100million could be invested in Wee County infrastructure projects, which will help tackle poverty and bring much-needed jobs to the area.

Speaking from the House of Commons today, Mr Hammond said: "Devolution remains at the heart of this government’s approach to supporting local growth, and we recommit today to our city deals with Swansea, Edinburgh, North Wales and Tay Cities.

"I can announce today we’re beginning negotiations on a city deal for Stirling. So that every city in Scotland will be on course to have a city deal."

The news was welcomed across the political spectrum, with the proposal benefiting from cross-party support in both council areas.

Tasmina Ahmed-Sheikh, MP for Ochil and South Perthshire, recently met with Scotland Office Minister Lord Dunlop to press the case for Clacks to be included in the proposal.

She said today: "I’m delighted about today’s announcement. We're now on the way to getting a city deal for Clackmannanshire.

"I know from my meetings with local businesses and other organisations that there’s huge potential here to really make a difference with this investment, and so I look forward to working with others over the weeks and months to come to develop a detailed bid.”

Councillor Les Sharp, the SNP group leader at Clacks council, added: "Today's announcement is the start of exciting journey for Clackmannanshire.

"Working in partnership with Stirling Council, the city deal has the ability to deliver far reaching social and economic benefits for local area.

"I look forward to discussing potential projects over the coming months in the interests of everyone in Clackmannanshire."

Bobby McGill, leader of the Labour administration at Clackmannanshire Council, spoke of his delight at the news describing the city deal as a forum to deliver "real change" to the county.

He said: "The announcement was made today and we're over the moon with it; it's a really exciting time for us.

"We're looking at the potential for a number of projects and we're in the process of getting things together [for the bid].

"But it's really great news. We were hoping for it, but you never really know for sure until you hear it."

He added: "We are delighted that we can now move ahead with our ambitions for the region. We are in an excellent position to drive this forward and deliver real change together with our people and communities."

Conservative MSPs also backed the chancellor's move, but called for efforts to ensure Clacks is not left behind during discussions.

Alexander Stewart, Conservative MSP for Mid Scotland and Fife, said: "Today's announcement by the chancellor of the exchequer is fantastic news for the Wee County. I am greatly encouraged by the prospect of a city deal for Stirling that will include the Clackmannanshire Council area.

"These city deals will allow places like Stirling and Clackmannanshire to pursue their own policies to support economic growth, encourage the creation of more jobs and invest funds into important local infrastructure projects.

"It is important, however, that we ensure people in Clackmannanshire are equally able reap the benefits of this proposal just as much as those in the Stirling area."

Mr Stewart's Tory colleague Murdo Fraser MSP added: “Today’s announcement is not only great news for Stirling but also for Clackmannanshire and I would encourage the council to work alongside partners in Stirling to realise its potential.

“Clackmannanshire can now share hundreds of millions of pounds of investment which could result in major infrastructure improvements to boost skills, innovation and economic growth. This is a real opportunity for Clackmannanshire and the Wee County must grab it with both hands.”