Villagers threaten council tax strike

ANGRY villagers are threatening a “council tax strike” after planning chiefs approved two controversial schemes.
Police were called to Warrington Town Hall after anger exploded at a meeting of the borough council’s development control committee.
More than 150 residents of Croft turned up for the meeting – the majority of which could not be accommodated in the council chamber.
But after the decisions were announced, villagers invaded the room and council officers had to call police.
Two officers arrived at the Town Hall to help council security staff.
The plans which caused the uproar were one for a free range egg production unit for 9,000 hens at Springfield House Farm, Spring Lane and one for the demolition of Croft House old people’s home to make way for 15 “affordable homes.”
Committee chairman Coun Les Hoyle – who represents the Croft area – admitted he was disappointed with both decisions.
He believed three large sheds and a mobile home at the farm would have an impact on the Green Belt.
The Croft House scheme involved an important site in the village centre which he believed deserved a better development.
Croft Parish Council and more than 70 residents opposed the Spring Lane scheme while the Croft House scheme was opposed by the parish council and more than 100 residents.
But both schemes were recommended for approval by planning officers.
After the stormy Town Hall meeting, it is understood a number of residents held an emergency meeting in the village when plans to withhold council tax were drawn up.
One member of the development control committee said after the meeting: “There were some disgraceful scenes – I have never seen anything like it before.”