MP puts politics to one side

CONSERVATIVE MP David Mowat has put party politics to one side to support Labour and Liberal Democrat councillors in a fight to block plans to extend the operating licence of the giant Arpley Landfill site at Warrington.
The Warrington South MP (pictured) says he is backing local residents and Labour and Liberal Democrat councillors in the campaign.
Waste Recycle Group (WRG) are seeking permission to use the landfill site for a further 12 years.
It is currently due to close next year, but if WRG’s application is successful, if will stay open until 2025.
Mr Mowat said: “The application is not needed – Warrington Borough Council has stated that it will no longer be sending landfill waste to Arpley after 2013. “Warrington doesn’t need the Arpley site and we don’t want to be the North West’s dumping ground.
“The application is not wanted – local residents in the Sankey Bridges and Saxon Park areas have told me that they are fed up with the noise, dirt and vibrations caused by the lorries that bring in the rubbish and the smells, flies and vermin that the site attracts.”
About 4,000 people have already signed a petition against the extension.
But Mr Mowat said: “We need as many signatures as possible to make sure that the councillors who will consider the application are aware of the strength of feeling in the community.”
He urged people to visit the website of the official Arpley Landfill Opposition Group, a non-party-political group campaigning against the licence, to find out more about what is being proposed and to sign their petition.
Any offers of support in the campaign would be great appreciated, he added.