MORE recycling, cutting green belt development and bringing back free parking in south Warrington.

These are some of the ideas in Warrington’s Liberal Democrats manifesto for the local elections on Thursday, May 22.

Among its aim for ‘a stronger Warrington, a fairer Warrington’ are to bring back two hours free parking in south Warrington car parks after its councillors launched a petition to stop the parking charges being brought in.

Group leader Clr Ian Marks said: “Our vision is for a better Warrington that is ambitious, active and aspirational. We believe in ‘One Warrington’ with fairness across the town.

“We all know that Warrington is an important and successful town with a well educated and well paid population. It has suffered less than its neighbours from the recession and is showing stronger and faster signs of recovery.

“But there are neighbourhoods in the town that are amongst the poorest 10 per cent in the country.

“They should be benefiting from our more favourable economy.”

The four page document highlights some of the areas of concern for the group including potholes, traffic and redeveloping the old industrial areas of town.

Housing is also a key area where the group wants to see the growth of affordable housing and shared ownership with developments focused on non green belt sites.

Lib Dems also draw on their time in administration in the manifesto as they fight to win back seats in the ballot.

“We are extremely proud of our record when we led the council from 2006 to 2011 and we achieved a great deal,” added Clr Marks. “Much of the work carried out by the current Labour administration is a continuation of the groundwork and building blocks we put in place, such as most of the regeneration and development.

“Our three priorities for a better Warrington can be summed up as a better environment, better communities and a better run council.

“The financial climate is tough but it is surprising how often doing things differently can both save money and lead to better services for residents. Collaborative working across different public sector organisations such as NHS health and council social care is the way forward.”

A full version of the manifesto is available from warringtonlibdems.org.uk.