THE leader of Warrington Borough Council has spelled out why the controlling Labour Group has voted in favour of joining in a devolution partnership with Cheshire, rather than Liverpool.
Cllr Terry O’Neill (pictured above) – who has always favoured a deal with Cheshire – stressed that the 24-10 vote reflected only the view of the Labour Group and that the matter still had to go through the council and parliamentary processes.
Business and the community also had to be consulted.
But he said the Labour Group had voted for a preference to continue the successful economic partnership with Cheshire East and Cheshire West after a detailed appraisal of the benefits of a devolution deal.
He said: “The Government has made it clear that devolution is the only way Warrington will be able to get the funding we need to invest in the town’s transport infrastructure, continue to grow our local economy and create more local jobs.
“Despite the Conservative government’s austerity cuts and their clear preference for investing in projects in the south of the country, Warrington’s economy has done really well in recent years. This is in part down to a successful relationship with the Warrington and Cheshire Local Economic Partnership. We want that relationship and economic growth to continue.”
Cllr O’Neill said joining with Liverpool was rejected by many Labour councillors.
Some felt it was wrong to gamble with Warrington’s economic future, others felt Warrington’s resources would be diverted to prop up the significantly poorer areas of Merseyside.
Others felt that voting for the Liverpool devolution deal, given Liverpool’s open support for the HS2 route’s Golborne Link would be a clear contradiction of their previous public support for the fight against HS2’s proposed route given the detrimental impact it would have on parts of East Warrington with no financial benefits for the town.
Paul Taylor of Taylor Business Park
The decision was welcome by businessman Paul Taylor, of the Taylor Business Park at Culcheth.
He said: “This is a huge relief and fantastic news for the economy of Warrington. Although we won’t be at the front of the queue for funds distributed by whoever ends up mayor of Warrington, we will have more chances available to us than we would have at the back of the queue in Liverpool city region, which has more deprived areas such as Liverpool itself, Halton, St. Helens, Knowsley, Sefton and Wirral.
“We’re doing well and our economy is growing rapidly. That’s far from the case in these other Liverpool City regions so they would take priority.
“Warrington has had a strong voice in the Cheshire and Warrington LEP to date and we’ve seen many improvements to the town and borough thanks to this relationship, the Birchwood Enterprise Zone for example.
“The towns in the Liverpool city region have hardly seen anything trickle down from the Liverpool LEP who have put their two Enterprise Zones in the Liverpool city centre and at the docks, clearly showing what they think their priorities are.”
Mr Taylor said it was not yet clear that Cheshire and Warrington would have to have an elected Mayor.
Other opportunities for organising the devolution bid could present themselves.
Helen Jones
“One of my main concerns for the future with devolution would be having to take over responsibility of Warrington Hospital. It’s been on the decline for years and as a Glazebury resident I’m much more likely to go up the East Lancs Road to Salford Royal or to Bolton than risk setting foot in there.”
But Warrington North MP Helen Jones was not happy with the vote.
She said: “I still believe that the Merseyside deal, which includes our neighbouring authorities of Halton and St Helens, is the best option for Warrington. It is surprising to see that those who supported Warrington leaving Cheshire County Council now want to re-join Cheshire and that councillors ignored the recommendation of the devolution task group who looked at all the options in great detail. I am far from convinced that the economic basis for this decision is sound. I hope the decision will not come back to haunt Warrington.”
Former Warrington TUSC councillor Kevin Bennett said he was “outraged” at the way the decision on devolution for Warrington had been made by the ruling Labour administration.
He called on Cllr O’Neill to consult the people of Warrington before making the decision binding.
He said: “Cllr O’Neill seems happy to be working with the ‘Tories’, which is a sign of more Tory-inspired service cuts to come. These cuts will be under the false flag of a ‘bogus’ devolution plan. The deal should be put to the people of Warrington, by referendum before any further progress is made. This is a major decision and should not be made behind closed doors!’
8 Comments
Sensible words from Paul Taylor. A breath of fresh air from a member of the Labour party. I think he could go far if he can get the necessary support.
Thank goodness common sense has prevailed. Had they opted for the Liverpool connection it would have been the wrong move for Warrington.
The more I hear from Paul Taylor the more I like and I think that he’d suit the political arena. A local man who’s on the right side of the argument in this case and presents himself very well. No bluster in sight. Just apparent sound judgment and reasoning. Warrington North’s next MP anyone?
A victory for common sense and totally agree with Paul’s words of wisdom – but would recommend he stays away from the political arena if he wants to retain his sanity. Some times it is easier to get things done from outside the constraints of a political party.
That maybe true that Gary. He’s got the right kind of background though to be a success, if he decided that he wanted to have a crack at Parliament. Time will only tell I guess
Paul Taylor’s comments on the apparent risk potential of treatment at Warrington hospital should worry us all.
Why what did he say that worried you Positron?
“It’s been on the decline for years and as a Glazebury resident I’m much more likely to go up the East Lancs Road to Salford Royal or to Bolton than risk setting foot in there.” (sic)