LOCAL Lib Dems have announced their candidates for the Warrington Borough Council Grappenhall and Appleton Thorn Ward by-elections after two councillors announced they were standing down.
The candidates for the by-elections on 29 September are parish Cllrs. Mark Browne and Helen Speed.
The by-elections have been called because Cllr. Ryan Bate has a new teaching post at the international school in Washington DC in America. Meanwhile Cllr. Mike Biggin has been suffering from health problems and has decided to take the opportunity to step down at the same time. In a joint statement, Ryan and Mike said, “It has been a pleasure to have served the community for many years and we thank everyone for their support.”
Mark is a retired solicitor and is currently Deputy Chair of Grappenhall and Thelwall Parish Council. He is also Chair of the Planning Committee and of the Climate and Ecology Group which he set up. This Group reaches out to and includes local residents. He feels passionately about protecting the environment and regularly takes part in community litter picks. Mark has worked closely with Ryan to protect the Green Belt and stop inappropriate development. He helped organise the recent Jubilee Celebrations and in his spare time, he helps train and raise guide dogs.
Helen is a former director of nursing and businesswoman. She is the current Chair of the Parish Council Parks and Open Spaces Committee and a former Chair of Healthwatch Warrington, a voice for users of health and social care services. Helen is heavily involved in charitable work and chairs the locally based CARE UK charity which supports people in need at home and abroad, including providing a local food bank, clothes and furniture.
Mark and Helen say, “As current Parish Councillors for Grappenhall and Thelwall, we are honoured to have been selected to stand as the Liberal Democrat candidates for the by-elections. Ryan and Mike will be a hard act to follow but we share the same values and principles. Along with our team of councillor colleagues, we will continue to take the time and trouble to listen to the views of our communities at all times, not just at elections.
“Lib Dems have been at the forefront in fighting the current Local Development Plan proposals and the Six56 warehousing developments. We will continue this fight, work to improve local health services and campaign for inclusive, climate-friendly transport solutions in our area.”
