A MOTION calling for councillors to unite to ensure residents can 'live together in harmony' following an increase in the reporting of hate crime has received unanimous cross-party support.

The town's Conservative leader Cllr Sheila Woodyatt proposed the motion at Monday's full council meeting at the Town Hall.

She said: "In view of an increase in the reporting of racist incidents and hate crime in the press this council condemns racism, xenophobia and hate crime.

"We will work together to ensure there is no such prejudice in our community of Warrington, that all residents are able to live together in harmony and are tolerant of racial and religious differences."

Shortly before the motion received unanimous support, Mayor Cllr Faisal Rashid told members 'our town is the best town'.

He added: "We don't have issues other towns have, we need to keep the momentum going."

Also during the meeting, Cllr Judith Guthrie, executive board member for environment and public protection, said a blanket ban on fracking 'will have no legal standing' in Warrington after being pressed on the matter by Cllr Stefan Krizanac (LD – Westbrook).

She confirmed each case will need to be 'judged on its merits'.

Members also noted the 'context and background' of the 2018 review of parliamentary constituency boundaries.

If the Boundary Commission's draft recommendations are brought in the move would see the number of MPs in Parliament reduced from 650 to 600.

Currently Warrington South has around 12,000 more residents than Warrington North.

To balance that figure, Latchford East would be moved to Warrington North.

The commission is consulting on initial proposals until December 5.

Councillors voted to note receipt of the commission's draft recommendations to enable the next stage of the review to take place.