Success for Lib Dems (From Warrington Guardian)

Success for Lib Dems

CHAMPAGNE corks popped as Halton's Liberal Democrats celebrated their biggest ever victory.

They swept the board in Norton North, Heath, Mersey and Beechwood, taking every seat with substantial majorities.

They also won seats in Daresbury and Windmill Hill. In an unexpected win in Halton Brook, Kathy Hodgkinson beat Labour stalwart Stan Hill by 40 votes.

She said: "I was surprised and delighted. I have connections with Halton Brook as I am a governor of Grange Infant School. I work with Grange nursery, infant and junior schools and Holy Spirit School in the training of teachers."

Her husband, Mike, Lib Dem leader, said: "With more opposition councillors, we should now have more lively debates.

"We don't disagree with everything the Labour party does, we have a lot of common ground but we should debate more."

Attracting more shops into Runcorn Old Town, he said, was one of their top priorities.

"A lot of money has been spent but vital things haven't changed," he said. "We are not saying we could suddenly change things but we could tidy up the High Street and make the town look more attractive to investors.

"We need ordinary shops, not a drive in Macdonalds."

Halton Lib Dems now plan to launch a major recruitment drive to sign up new members throughout the borough, particularly in Widnes.