WARRINGTON North MP Helen Jones has joined residents in condemning borough council plans for more bars in the town centre.
A survey conducted by the MP showed that 99 per cent of residents in her constituency are against more drinking establishments being opened.
They also strongly opposed more high-rise flat blocks, saying they would rather have more affordable housing and homes for rent.
The MP said: “The council seem to want housing developments which profit developers and not housing that the sons and daughters of Warrington, seeking a first step on the housing ladder, can afford. When Housing Minister Iain Wright visited Warrington last month he said he wanted to see high quality developments that are affordable for local people.
“Cheshire Police Chief Constable Peter Fahy has pointed out that currently Warrington has 43 licensed premises in half a square mile which promotes fast binge drinking, anti-social behaviour and worse. The council say they want to stop binge drinking but bizarrely want more bars and drinking outlets in the town centre and as part of their Mersey development plans.
“I sincerely hope that the council will take note of what people are saying and adjust their plans accordingly. It is simply not good enough to say they want to promote affordable housing when they don’t enforce meaningful quotas with developers. Equally it seems little more than lip service to announce a ten point strategy to combat drink related problems whilst promoting more and more drinking establishments.”
MP slams plans for town centre bars
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Gary Skentelbery
Experienced journalist for more than 40 years. Managing Director of magazine publishing group with three in-house titles and on-line daily newspaper for Warrington. Experienced writer, photographer, PR consultant and media expert having written for local, regional and national newspapers. Specialties: PR, media, social networking, photographer, networking, advertising, sales, media crisis management. Chair of Warrington Healthwatch Director Warrington Chamber of Commerce Patron Tim Parry Johnathan Ball Foundation for Peace. Trustee Warrington Disability Partnership. Former Chairman of Warrington Town FC.
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Steady on, that sounds like common sense.
I agree with what has been said. Where does the other Helen stand on this?
IF the council cared about the town, they would change their policies of “endorsement” and make Warrington a town of which people would be proud and feel safe in.
A fancy bus station and an un-necessary Golden Square extension doesn’t hide or drive away the underlying problems of the town or of the people who allegedly have the Residents best interests at heart.