AS Labour announced their candidates for a forthcoming parish council by-elections at Culcheth, Glazebury and Croft, former party member Cllr. Neil Johnson called for it to be a referendum on gypsy/traveller site plans.
Now and Independent Cllr, Johnson is encouraging voters in Culcheth and Croft to use the forthcoming Parish Council by-elections as “a referendum” on the recent gypsy/traveller transit site fiasco.
Elections will be held in the Culcheth ward (Culcheth and Glazebury Parish Council) and Southworth ward (Croft Parish Council) on 28th November after the resignation of Councillor Carol Benson. Labour Party activists have collected the ten signatures required to call a by-election in both areas.
Cllr. Johnson said:”My former Party have called an election for two seats on Culcheth and Croft Parish Councils. These elections will be held on 28th November.
“I am encouraging all residents to use the vote on 28th November as a referendum on the Labour Council’s shoddy treatment of our community and the waste of £25,000 in ratepayer’s money on their ludicrous plans for a gypsy/traveller transit site in Croft. This is our chance to deliver our verdict on the recent fiasco.
“Labour are desperate to try and pull the wool over people’s eyes and divert attention from recent revelations, but we must not allow them to deflect. As far as I’m concerned, there is only one issue on the ballot paper in these by-elections: the Labour Council’s plans to put a gypsy/traveller site in Croft.
“That is the talking point that they want to avoid.
“We cannot forget that they risked devaluing our house prices or overwhelming our roads and community services. There is also the issue of the £25,000 spend which the Council has refused to provide a breakdown of, and which has been wasted on a scheme that could never go ahead due to access rights! If Councillor Smith and Mr Voyce believe they are so effective in fighting our corner, why did they allow their Party to pour ratepayer’s money down the drain like this? Where has the money gone? When will they come clean?
“So let the 28th November be the day when our voice is heard loud and clear. Let’s treat Polling Day as Referendum Day here in Culcheth and Croft! We must not elect the people who stayed silent and rolled over when our community was under threat.
“I urge residents in both Culcheth and Croft to think carefully before placing their cross on the ballot paper. We need independent voices for our community, candidates who will put the interests of the people first without fear or favour, who will stand four-square against the secrecy and bravado of Warrington Borough Council.
Meanwhile, the Labour Party has announced its candidates for the upcoming by-elections in Croft Parish Council and the Culcheth Ward of Culcheth and Glazebury Parish Council.
Steve Voyse – Labour Candidate for Culcheth
Representing Labour in the Culcheth by-election is Steve Voyse, a respected and active member of the Culcheth community. Steve, who has lived in Culcheth for over five years, is known for his involvement with the Culcheth Village Club and his work with the British Legion’s Poppy Appeal. As a former British Army veteran with 22 years of service, Steve takes pride in supporting the community through various local initiatives, including honouring veterans and supporting remembrance activities.
Currently employed by the NHS and serving as a Trade Union Representative for Unison, Steve brings a wealth of experience and dedication to public service. His passions also include football, and he plays for Culcheth Walking Football Club.
Steve shared his enthusiasm for the opportunity to serve on the Parish Council, stating, “With your support, I look forward to representing our village to the best of my ability on the Parish Council.”
Matt Smith – Labour Candidate for Croft
The Labour candidate for the Croft by-election is Matt Smith, a familiar face across the villages as a current Warrington Borough Councillor for Culcheth, Glazebury, and Croft. Having first moved to the area in 1999 as a teacher at Culcheth High School, Matt has since become deeply integrated into the local community, previously serving as a school governor and dedicating years to various community campaigns.
Among his many initiatives, Matt took a leading tole in the successful campaign to save Culcheth Library, collaborated with residents to oppose HS2, and worked to implement HGV restrictions that benefit Culcheth, Glazebury and Croft. More recently, he has supported Croft parents in their fight against the removal of free school bus passes, opposing the Council’s recommendation of walking routes that he considers unsafe.
Matt is eager to bring his dedication and proactive approach to Croft Parish Council, saying, “Serving this community has been a privilege, and I am committed to working tirelessly on issues that matter to you, from improving local amenities to ensuring safe, sensible routes to school for our children. Together, we can make our villages an even better place to live, and I am eager to continue that work on your behalf.”
Both Steve and Matt are enthusiastic about the opportunity to serve their communities in these parish council roles and are committed to working on behalf of residents to address the issues that matter most.
1 Comment
High standard of churnalism, as ever