Extra jobs and economic growth promises Prescott (From Warrington Guardian)

Extra jobs and economic growth promises Prescott

DEPUTY Prime Minister John Prescott visited Warrington on Friday, saying a regional assembly would deliver extra jobs and more economic growth to the region.

The Hull MP came to the Pyramid to launch the Government's new advertising campaign designed to raise awareness of the autumn referendum into whether the region needs an assembly.

And he defended accusations that the £4million TV campaign was a waste of Government money.

He said: "We are seeking to achieve a greater awareness of the yes or no campaign. The Government is not telling people which way to vote. But we need to do more to increase the awareness.

"There needs to be more debate."

He also confirmed that the vote, which could be held in November, will take place using postal voting.

Last week's borough and European elections were conducted using postal voting, but amid complaints about the length of time ballot papers took to arrive and possible claims of fraud and corruption.

He added: "We want more people to participate in voting and what this overwhelmingly shows is that more people are voting.

"We are looking at the information and there were a lot of allegations made but not a great deal of evidence (of fraud).

"It is important to draw attention to the fact that three million more people voted and they could not all have been unable to understand the forms."

With Warrington now the venue for two visits from the Deputy Prime Minister, speculation continues to mount that should an assembly be agreed, it could find a home in the town.

But Mr Prescott refused to be drawn: "That will be for the people of the north to decide but I think people in Manchester and Liverpool will have strong views on this as well."

Warrington South MP Helen Southworth and council leader John Joyce both said they would be lobbying for the assembly to be based in Warrington.

Clr Joyce said: "It would be excellent for Warrington.

"We can offer the facilities and skills that will be needed.

"It would be a significant boost and it would be a great encouragement for the town."

And Mrs Southworth added that an elected assembly would be of benefit to the whole region.

"The assembly could make a real difference and be very successful in terms of jobs," she said.