Cynics proved wrong – councillor

A SENIOR councillor has taken a swipe at “cynics” who predicted the alliance between Liberal Democrats and Conservatives to control Warrington Borough Council could not work.
Coun Sheila Woodyatt, (pictured) one of three Tories on the council’s executive board, said: “We have proved them wrong.
“We have been big enough to put our political difference aside and put the people first.
“I am very pleased with the way things have worked. In everything we have done we have put Warrington first.”
Coun Woodyatt was commenting after the board had approved a consultation paper on the council’s draft spending proposals for the coming financial year, which recommends a Council Tax rise of four per cent – which would be the lowest for 10 years.
She said when the shared administration took control of the council there had been a great deal of cynicism from people who had said “It will never work.”
But they had been proved wrong.
“We have been fortunate to have a very enthusiastic set of councillors who have put Warrington well and truly on the map.”
Another Conservative, Coun Fiona Bruce, executive member for finance, said the council was determined to maintain services for residents during the “credit crunch.”
The council had reduced the Council Tax increase every year since the shared administration took control, delivering increased value for money.
She stressed that the council would take note of residents’ suggestions and said some features of the draft budget had already been influenced by the public – including two new licence enforcement officers who were part of the drive to make the town centre a safer place.
Council leader Ian Marks said £10 million of savings identified this year came on the back of earlier savings over the last two years. Yet at the same time, services had actually been improved.
But he warned that if during the consultation process, people asked for more spending in one particular area, the council would have to look for savings elsewhere.