TORY Parliamentary hopeful David Mowat has stepped into the ongoing row over the future of Warrington’s giant Omega development site.
The Warrington South Conservative Prospective Parliamentary candidate says neither of the town’s two Labour MPs – Helen Jones and Helen Southworth – have done anything to help attract businesses to Omega.
He said Labour’s only suggestion for the site has been to propose a giant prison be built there.
The row started when Warrington North MP Helen Jones accused the Liberal Democrat-Conservative controlled borough council of putting the town’s future at risk by neglecting the Omega site – seen by many as key to the continuing prosperity of the borough.
Council leader Ian Marks, Liberal Democrat, hit back by describing Ms Jones’ comments as absurd.
Now Mr Mowat (pictured) has weighed in.
He said: “I welcome the Labour party’s recently developed interest in the fate of the Omega site.
“Many of us have been saying for years that unless action is taken there is a risk of undesirable development. The impending General Election has clearly caused the Labour party to finally take an interest.”
Mr Mowat said the facts were that Warrington’s previous Labour-controlled council had more than a decade to make progress on Omega but failed to do so.
He said: “Labour’s only contribution in recent years has been to propose a mega Titan Prison for the site – a proposal which due to strong local opposition had to be abandoned.
“Neither Labour MP for Warrington has lifted a finger to bring in the businesses to Omega that Warrington needs. Part of the role of an effective MP is to sell the town.
“They seem to see their role as attacking the council – not acting constructively in the best interests of the residents.”
In fact, Mr Mowat said, the only party actually doing anything was the Conservatives.
He said: “We have recently launched a petition and survey across Whittle Hall asking resident’s their opinion on how the site should be developed. We have already received a significant response and will be publishing the results in the next few weeks.”
