The Liberal Democrats and Labour on Warrington Council have different views on whether full-scale nationalisation of our railways is the solution to the current problems.

There was total agreement on the appalling response from Northern Rail to the current fiasco rail users in Warrington are suffering and the need to hold the Minister and the company to account.



Cllr Ryan Bate said, "The disruption caused by the timetable changes comes with great economic and social cost causing untold anger and anguish as people struggle to get to work, to school, to medical appointments and go about their daily lives. If Labour would remove their call for public ownership from their motion we would support it so there would be cross-party consensus. This would give greater weight to our MPs as they seek the best solution for our Borough.

How and when they want to achieve full-on nationalisation is unclear and there are many options for a middle way between nationalisation and privatisation such as some form of public / private partnership or what is called stakeholder capitalism. I am sorry that they have rejected the opportunity for consensus."

Cllr Ian Marks added, "We think Labour's faith in the benefits of nationalisation is misguided. It would cost a huge amount of money and remember it was nationalised British Rail that wielded the Beeching cuts and under-invested in the 60s and 70s. It is wrong that UK passengers are paying money from fares to overseas state-owned companies who own most of our rail operators. It is a nonsense that they are allowed to bid for franchises when public sector companies here cannot.

We would reform the franchising system by banning companies that substantially breach the terms of their contract from bidding for further franchises for a period of time. Liberal Democrats would give local authorities, city regions and 'Transport for the North' a greater role in operating franchises in their areas."

Lib Dem Group leader Cllr Bob Barr commented, "We were very surprised that the Conservative councillor supported Labour and voted for nationalisation. Does this indicate a change of policy for her Party?"

Liberal Democrats have amended the EU Withdrawal Bill to ensure that the people, not politicians, get the final say on the deal and the opportunity to exit from Brexit.

But we'll only have a chance of passing it if it gets cross-party support. Can you contact your MP and ask them to add their names to the amendment? Find out how on our national website.

Liberal Democrats in Warrington have been out in the centre of town with Cllr Bob Barr, the Parliamentary Candidate for Warrington South, listening to what people think are the big issues. They held a Street Stall at Market Gate on Saturday.

The issues people wanted to talk about were education and health and social care. Warrington has suffered badly from under-funding in our schools and we told people that the Liberal Democrats would invest an extra £7 billion so that no school loses money per pupil.

Many people have personal stories about the NHS and Social Care due to chronic underfunding by the Conservatives. There is a willingness to pay an extra penny on income tax providing it can be guaranteed that this will be ring-fenced for health and care spending.

We were pleased that Warrington voters liked what the Liberal Democrats had to say on these big issues."

Warrington Council's Executive Board has agreed to a six week consultation period on the future of the Sandy Lane Recycling and Household Waste Centre in Stockton Heath. Funding is earmarked for Woolston and Gatewarth but nothing for Sandy Lane.

Over 3000 people have now signed the petition launched by Liberal Democrat Councillors. The petition 'urges Warrington Borough Council to keep Sandy Lane Recycling & Household Waste centre open or to provide alternative recycling facilities in South Warrington'.

Cllr Peter Walker says, "It is good they have gone out to consultation but what exactly do they mean by this? Are they planning to close it or relocate it? It is important that people sign the petition now to show their strength of feeling. To sign the on-line version, google 'save Sandy Lane waste'.

Cllr Sharon Harris adds, "I fear that closure of the Sandy Lane site would lead to increased fly tipping in the area. We already have serious fly tipping issues and they would only get worse with the loss of this site."

Local Liberal Democrats have selected their candidates to stand in the next General Election. Cllr Ryan Bate will stand as their candidate in Warrington South and David Crowther in Warrington North.

Councillor Ian Marks, Chairman of the local party said, "The next General Election is not due for a few years but with the crazy state of politics in this country it may be sooner rather than later. The Conservative Government is in complete disarray and Labour is bitterly divided between their different factions. Having our candidates in place gives us a focus for both our national and local campaigning."



Ryan says, "I was born and bred in Warrington and teach at a local school. I have represented Grappenhall on the Borough Council and am also a Parish Councillor. I firmly believe in creating opportunities for everyone. I have worked with a range of residents and community groups to deliver improvements and in fighting against the Local Plan and major housing developments.

Brexit is most unwelcome but I recognise that swathes of people have been left behind by globalisation and have concerns about immigration. It is up to the Liberal Democrats to offer radical political solutions to these problems so no one feels disenfranchised from our society or disconnected from the economy. We must give our children the best possible education, provide affordable housing for young families and ensure our older people receive high-quality dignified care."

David adds, "Before moving to Warrington I was a Councillor in St Helens for many years. The residents of north Warrington have suffered at the hands of the Labour Party. It is all very well using the spaces around the M62 corridor for businesses but this must not be at the expense of the quality of life of local residents. We need radical solutions to solve our traffic problems because our roads are grid-locked too many times. There are serious problems with funding of both our health service and schools in the town and we must find ways of making improvements for the benefit of local people."

Cllr Anna Fradgley has been elected to serve as Chairman of Lymm Parish Council for the coming year.

Anna says, "I am extremely honoured to have been elected as Chairman of the Parish Council, particularly as this is the Year of the Woman, celebrating 100 years since some women got the right to vote in Britain.

I would like to thank Councillor John Bamforth who has served as Chairman in the last year and has guided the Parish Council through twelve months of upheaval and accomplishments. All Councillors and the Clerk have worked extremely hard to deliver a number of achievements.

The up and coming year will be dominated by the Local Plan and the Parish Council will continue to protect the Green Belt until the Lymm Neighbourhood Plan is in place. I am personally going to encourage more residents to become involved in what happens in their village, using the powers designated to them under the Localism Act 2011. I feel confident that the Parish Council will continue to serve residents and help to make Lymm a wonderful place to live, work and visit."