Our Stockton Heath Councillors take stand against budget

Councillors Sharon Harris and Judith Wheeler will be voting against the proposed Borough Council budget next Monday. Whilst we understand that the importance of presenting a balanced budget whilst protecting Children’s Services, Adult Social Care and the most vulnerable in our society, we do not believe that the Council has taken a fair and even-handed approach to do this.

We are dismayed that as ward Councillors there has been no consultation with us on any of the proposals which will adversely affect Stockton Heath residents, such as the closure of Sandy Lane Recycling Centre, the changes to the car parking charges and a proposed reduction in library services. What is proposed appears to be a fait-accompli; this has given us no time to ask for our resident’s views and how such changes will affect them.

We successfully fought against the proposed closure of the Recycling Centre in 2018 and were promised that it would not close until a new replacement was opened. Whilst the existing facility is far from ideal, it is the only one in South Warrington. The site also houses our only Community Centre and a thriving Arts Theatre School which will also be at risk if the site is sold for development. Please sign our petition: https://www.change.org/p/urge-warrington-borough-council-to-establish-a-new-recycling-centre-in-south-warrington

The proposed changes to car parking charges mean Stockton Heath Primary School will lose the free parking at the end of the school day. Again, there has been no consultation with the school which operates a ‘Safe Route’ to the car park to ensure pupils’ safety and which helps prevent car parking on the surrounding streets.

Also in 2018, we successfully fought against the proposed closure of the library in Stockton Heath - and went on to play a major part in both saving it and refurbishing it. It is the most used library in South Warrington, the expertise of professional staff is valued and it should not be run by volunteers.