Forum 'in limbo' for 'spiteful reasons' (From Warrington Guardian)

Forum 'in limbo' for 'spiteful reasons'

THE newly re-elected leader of Fairfield and Howley Ward Forum says that the group is being marginalised for "spiteful and vindictive" reasons.

Mike Hughes, both former council leader and Howely ward councillor, was re-elected as the chairman of the forum at its first meeting of 2005, last week.

As reported in the Warrington Guardian in January, Norman Graves, the forum's secretary, accused Warrington Borough Council of leaving it in "limbo" after temporarily shutting it down six months ago.

There have also been rumours that the forum could be amalgamated with Bewsey and Whitecross, leaving residents in the dark about its future.

Labour councillor Anne Haddow, who represents the ward, said that amalgamation was an option and added that the forum was not representative enough because only a few people attended the meetings.

But Mr Hughes believes that fall out from his time on the council is at the heart of the issue.

He said: "This is clearly a personal and petty vendetta by New Labour as Fairfield and Howley is the only forum being subjected to this treatment.

"As for criticisms that the body is unrepresentative, all residents' associations represented in the forum are open to all residents in their areas of operation - you couldn't get any more representative than that."

He added: "The Government is encouraging local councils to empower and include community groups in developing communities. Unfortunately, for spiteful and vindictive reasons, local Labour councillors are not listening to their own Government's spin."

Paul Ross, deputy leader of Warrington Borough Council, said: "The idea of ward forums is currently under review, to ensure they are operated in the most effective way possible, as part of the constitutional review.

"There is a possibility that this review may result in different types of ward forums with the lead being taken from the local police and Warrington Partnership."

Mr Hughes said the Fairfield and Howley Forum would continue to meet, with or without support from the borough council.