Anti-HS2 campaigner to stand for Tories in borough election

A KEY figure in the fight to stop the HS2 high speed rail link from passing through Culcheth is to stand for the Conservatives in the May 5 borough council elections.
Frank Allen has been named to replace Dean Bibby who was forced to pull out of the race through ill health.
Mr Allen will join borough councillor Sue Bland and Croft parish councillor Val Allen to make up the Tory team to contest the Culcheth, Glazebury and Croft ward.
He was originally going to stand in the Westbrook ward but is very happy to be selected to stand in his home ward instead.
“I have lived in the Culcheth area for over 35 years, first in Croft for nine years and then in Culcheth, and have brought up my family here. During that time I worked as a manager in a technical consultancy business based in Birchwood.
“Over the past few years I have become more involved in the local community. In 2013 I helped found the Culcheth And District Rail Action Group, CADRAG, which I have led as chairman for the majority of the past three years.
“We have campaigned to stop the HS2 Golborne Link, which will pass through the Taylor Industrial Estate and Culcheth Linear Park, and devastate the local communities.
“Whilst we have made some progress, no decision has been taken on the Link and it is still the intention to build it. Warrington Borough Council needs to be a key player in this campaign and if elected to the Council I will press for the Golborne Link to be abandoned.
As a councillor I will support local people in their dealings with the council and represent the views of all the electors, not just those who voted for me. I will campaign on local issues including school provision, and local transport.”