Labour split over campaign to save libraries

WARRINGTON North MP Helen Jones’ continued attack on LiveWire’s consultation on the future of libraries in the town has divided opinion within the Labour party.

Some Labour councillors have spoken out in support of the stance taken by the MP after LiveWire criticised her for refusing to meet with them, while former Warrington South Labour parliamentary candidate Nick Bent has called upon her to show some “Christmas spirit.”

In a joint statement in support of Ms Jones, Culcheth, Glazebury and Croft councillor Matt Smith and Poulton North councillor Diana Bennett said: “Helen Jones MP, Labour councillors and parish councillors have stood firm against proposals to close our libraries. LiveWire’s plans for Warrington North would hit one of our poorest communities (Padgate) and one with a large proportion of elderly people (Culcheth).

“We believe that LiveWire has shown itself to be not fit for purpose during this consultation. It has given out incomplete and inaccurate information, and has failed to listen to our residents. That is why Helen and Labour councillors have been fighting these proposals on behalf of our constituents.”

Deputy Leader of the Council, Graham Friend, has also weighed in on the ongoing debate over library services, adding: “Over the past few weeks, I have spoken to many of my fellow councillors and it is clear to me that, during this consultation exercise, there has been a huge breakdown in the public’s trust and confidence in LiveWire and its management.

“Labour councillors in Culcheth, Poplars and Hulme, Penketh, Great Sankey and my own ward Poulton North have done an excellent job of ensuring the voices of the people they represent are heard loud and clear – they have my full support. LiveWire must now listen closely and accept what Labour councillors have said, not just about the need to save our libraries, but about the flaws in the way this exercise has been carried out. I hope that lessons will be learnt.

“LiveWire must also remember that the Council has the power to review whether they should continue running library services in the future – in that respect, nothing is off the table.”

But former Labour Warrington South parliamentary candidate Nick Bent, who now sits as a parish councillor in Stockton Heath has spoken out against the Warrington North MP following her recent public attack on LiveWire board member Paul Taylor, who serves as a volunteer.

Mt Bent hit out at the MP on social media saying she was “rude” not to meet with LiveWire, describing her as “petty and childish” and calling for her to apologise. He said it was “particularly odd” given the fact that she had a staff member, Morgan Tarr, who was also on the LiveWire board.

He said: “Helen Jones is again behaving badly – it is unpleasant, it undermines the broad public campaign to save our libraries and it makes her deselection by Labour Party members even more likely.

“My friendly advice to Helen is to show some Christmas spirit. Warrington deserves better.”

Veteran Labour councillor and former deputy leader of the council Mike Hannon added:” Unfortunately Helen Jones has never been a team player on a whole host of things where she has a difference of opinion.

“She just wants to attack, attack, attack, which sometimes can be all well and good but sometimes you need to be constructive and work for the good people of Warrington.”

Meanwhile a spokesperson for LiveWire, said: “We are confident that we have carried out a comprehensive consultation which has received more than 2,400 individual responses.

“We have carefully listened to the views of a wide range of people including campaigners, local residents, borough councillors and parish councillors and are involved in ongoing discussions with many of these groups.

“All feedback received during the consultation will be used to give a full report to the council who will make the final decision on the proposals.”