PINK Ladies bosses have questioned how the council is run after the company’s request to save the borough money was rejected.

Andrea Winders, co-director of the members group, launched four years ago, said Pink Ladies has called for the council to drop its opposition at the company’s appeal which is to be held at Warrington Crown Court on February 19.

Andrea said: “We want to work with Warrington Borough Council and save them money. The appeal will not affect them at all.

“It won’t affect us if we win or lose. I am doing it to say bury the hatchet, save the council some money, let’s try to do something positive.”

Pink Ladies, which is based at Hawthorne Business Park, Hawthorne Street, came head-to-head with the council in July last year during a trial. The firm, which transports vulnerable women, was said to be a sham by District Judge Ross, who said Pink Ladies was operating without appropriate licences.

Both Andrea and Tina Dutton, co-director, were ordered to pay £2,750 and Julia Richardson, a driver, was ordered to pay a £50 fine and £50 costs after being found guilty of driving without a private hire licence.

But the business vowed to motor on and continue to be a ‘lifeline’ for vulnerable women in the town.

In November it secured a Government licence to operate as a non-profit making community transport operation.

It is now licensed under Vehicle and Operator Services Agency standards (VOSA) – a Government agency – rather than the local authority.

Andrea said: “My main aim was to take away the potential for them gaining extra legal costs on top of the £28,000 already accrued. We are now licensed with VOSA, so any outcome of the appeal will not affect us apart from the lifting the criminal convictions on Tina and I personally.”

Andrea claims that a letter from Diana Terris, chief executive of Warrington Borough Council, to Lord Hoyle, former Warrington North MP, said opposition could not be withdrawn, on the grounds of public interest.