Woodford Park now employs more than 1,000 people and in the past three years has attracted a number of high profile companies including Rolls Royce and Solutech Chemicals.

Town and borough councillor Tony Hooton said: "When I joined the council about 10 years ago I couldn't see much of a future for it.

"But I am delighted to say that assessment was wrong because it now looks to be a flourishing, thriving industrial estate."

Winsford's other industrial estate in Wharton has been successful for a number of years and Clr Hooton believes Woodford Park is no longer in its shadow.

He said: "When the police headquarters came to Woodford Park it was a massive boost and in the past few years that has been followed by a number of other interesting companies.

"As soon as we had the police headquarters it immediately transformed Woodford Park away from the normal industrial estate and showed it could cater for many types of businesses.

"Winsford Industrial Estate has been successful and people do seem to hear about that more but I think Woodford Park is also an important part of Winsford and the borough and they complement each other very well."

Vale Royal Borough Council confirmed the development of Woodford Park is ongoing.

A spokeswoman said: "Woodford Park is a key gateway site into the borough and employs nearly 500 people in addition to the 700 based at the Cheshire Police headquarters.

"We plan further development during the next two years with the proposal to build additional nursery units for small and medium sized enterprises to meet with current demand."

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