A new ‘Enviro-Tech Enterprise Zone’ is to be created in West Hertfordshire which is set to deliver thousands of jobs, attract hundreds of new businesses and help unlock key development sites.

Chancellor George Osbourne announced in the Autumn Statement and Spending Review that Hertfordshire is one of 18 areas across England to bid successfully for the business boost.

The Enviro-Teach Enterprise Zone will benefit businesses by offering them business rates discounts, enhanced capital allowances, simplified local planning and if necessary, government funding.

In particularly, emphasis will be put on environmental technology.

Hertfordshire Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP), along with St Albans City Council and Dacorum Borough Council, submitted its bid this summer.

St Albans MP Anne Main said: “This is great news for St Albans and Dacorum.

“In St Albans we have cutting-edge technology companies, a highly-skilled workforce and top-quality research facilities.

“What we had on offer was vital to winning the bid, which I am told was very competitive.

“We can build on our success, and potential for growth with this type of recognition.

“What I was arguing back in September was that the green and sustainable economy that we want, can be delivered if we’re given the backing.

“I pay tribute to the work of the LEP and both councils in their success.

“This goes some way to making the most of the ‘Green Triangle’ and supports its aim of bringing in new firms and more highly-skilled jobs to the area.”

The Green Triangle is a partnership organisation in Hertfordshire which supports the growth and acceleration of green industries.

Enterprise zones were launched three-and-a-half years ago and have attracted around £2.2billion of investment and created nearly 19,000 jobs.

In total there will be 44 Enterprise Zones in England – 18 new and 24 existing, plus Blackpool Airport and Plymouth Enterprise Zones which were previously announced in the Budget that took place in March 2015.