Time to focus on the good (From Warrington Guardian)

Time to focus on the good

A WINSFORD town councillor believes people should concentrate on the positive aspects of the town during the festive season instead of arguing over crime figures.

Clr Peter Gannon has requested a cease fire in the debate over reports of falling crime figures that has raged in the town in the past few weeks.

He said: "If you want to find trouble you can because we all know there are problems on the Grange estate.

"But I think at this time of year we should try to forget about things like that for just a couple of weeks and praise the people who are doing immense amounts of good for Winsford.

"There are kids who are working extremely hard at school, taking part in nativity plays and succeeding in their education.

"At this time more than any other we should be praising and congratulating them."

The comments have been made after a war of words erupted following a report by Vale Royal Borough Council that Winsford is now a 'safe place to live'.

Residents' associations hit back at the claims insisting people in Winsford are still living with the fear of anti-social behaviour.

Clr Gannon said: "The majority of young people are getting blamed for the actions of a few mindless morons who commit these crimes.

"It is around Christmas and New Year when people give up their time to do a lot of things for fellow members of the community and it should be those people who are praised."