IN what is believed to be a first in the history of Winwick, if not the whole of Warrington, SIX Independent candidates will hold every single seat on the Parish Council after May 2nd.
After an uncontested election, Stuart Mann, Theresa Murray, Emma Lavender, James Herron, Margaret Steen, and Andy Griffiths will proudly represent the community where they live. James and Andy were already existing independent Cllrs on the council.
Describing themselves as the “Super Six” the Independents see their initiative as a ‘catalyst’ for positive change for both the Peel Hall and Winwick wards of the parish and feel they now have a chance to forge a better deal in a host of issues ranging from improving poor community facilities to tightening control of unsympathetic planning issues and over development of green spaces.
Winwick resident Stuart Mann, who has recently announced that he will also be standing as an Independent for a seat as a borough councillor in the Burtonwood and Winwick ward, explained: “We are all really close friends who care so much about where we live. We have already done a great deal together to support our communities. We support the Peel Hall Campaign Group and are part of the speed watch team, the gardening group, the Christmas tree crew as well as the Winwick litter network.
“Our passion is Winwick & Peel Hall so it was a lovely coincidence that we all decided to stand as Independents, and for us to gain all six seats is absolutely amazing.
“We cannot be more proud and committed to respect and represent the views of our friends and most importantly the needs of our Parish for the next four years. James, and latterly Andy, are returning councillors, and we look forward to expanding on the work they have started in reconnecting the Parish Council to the community.”
He added: “Margaret has been a stalwart Peel Hall campaigner for decades. Over the years, Margaret and I have represented the concerns of residents at the many Planning Inspectorate Public Inquiries. Whilst at a national level, we may have varying political ideals, we stood as Independents because we all firmly believe that our parish councils should be apolitical and reflect the broad church of views that all residents of Peel Hall and Winwick may hold.
“After all, it’s the same play areas our children use, the same parish green spaces that need tending and the same neighbourhoods impacted by Local Plan developments with little improvement to our fragile road network or services””
Stuart concluded: “Winwick and Peel Hall residents residents have often said they felt left out or forgotten.
“We have NOW changed that set-up and hope the people of Winwick and Peel Hall will support us as we venture into a whole new Independent community focussed parish council.”
The Peel Hall Independents
