Independent candidate set to stand at Latchford West election – because council “don’t appear to listen”

INDEPENDENT candidate Amanda Bowles is set to stand at the forthcoming local election in Latchford West because she is hearing people are “fed up with the main parties” and “the borough council don’t appear to listen!”

The election has been called for April 20 following the recent death of former Mayor Les Morgan, who represented Labour on the Borough Council for many years.

Outlining her reason for standing Amanda said: “While I’ve not got a specific link with the Central 6 campaign, I do support the campaign because I think the Council implemented the roadblocks without due consultation with the local community or local businesses, and also the wider community that is being affected by it. But its important also to remember that some local people are in favour of it because its made their road a lot quieter and that’s a valid point of view as well – people do want safe streets, its just how you do it. The planters are not in Latchford West but the impact is wider than in Westy.

She added: “There are real problems with congestion in Warrington, but blocking roads is not the long-term, solution, and pushing more cars onto other congested roads won’t help the environment or air quality either.
“I’m hearing from people that they are fed up with the main parties – both nationally and locally. I don’t think local councillors need to be tied to a political party – I think they should serve the ward they are elected by. They should listen to the local residents, fix local problems and work with people to improve the community – not be driven by a party political agenda.

“Warrington Borough Council just don’t seem to want to listen to people, they’re not listening to people’s concerns. They raised our council tax to the max when families are already struggling with the cost of living, and older people are worried about potentially losing the triple lock on their pensions. Council debt is enormous also, and that’s really worrying.
“While I’ve been out talking to people around Latchford one of the things mentioned is Victoria Park – and the old pavilion there. This would make a great community asset, as a kiosk or even as a community meeting room for small events.
“It’s falling into disrepair. I gather that people have offered to take it on and run it as a kiosk but there are some issues and they have been knocked back.
“If I’m elected I’d like to look into this more and see if we can get this back in use for the local community!”

Election details for Latchford West:

1. Nomination papers must be delivered to the Returning Officer, Town Hall, Warrington, WA1 1UH on any day after the date of this notice, on Monday to Friday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (excluding bank holidays) but no later than 4 pm on Wednesday 22 March 2023.
2. Nomination papers may be obtained from the offices of the Returning Officer, Town Hall, Warrington, WA1 1UH, during the times stated above.
3. If any election is contested the poll will take place on Thursday, 20th April 2023.
4. Applications to register to vote must reach the Electoral Registration Officer by 12 midnight on Friday 31st March 2023. Applications can be made online: https://www.gov.uk/register-to-vote .
5. Applications, amendments or cancellations of postal votes and amendments or cancellations of proxy votes must reach the Electoral Registration Officer at Town Hall, Warrington, WA1 1UH by 5 pm on Monday 3rd April 2023.
6. New applications to vote by proxy at this election must reach the Electoral Registration Officer at Town Hall, Warrington, WA1 1UH by 5 pm on Wednesday, 12 April 2023.
7. Applications to vote by emergency proxy at this election on the grounds of physical incapacity or for work/service reasons must reach the Electoral Registration Officer at Town Hall, Warrington, WA1 1UH by 5 pm on Thursday, 20th April 2023. The physical incapacity must have occurred after 5 pm on Wednesday, 12th April 2023. To apply on the grounds of work/service, the person must have become aware that they cannot go to the polling station in person after 5 pm on Wednesday, 12th April 2023.