A LIBERAL Democrat peer has praised the achievements of the council during a visit to the area.

Baroness Shirley Williams spoke of her appreciation for the effort that has gone into rebuilding Warrington at a campaign event outside the Halliwell Jones Stadium last Friday.

And the life peer, who co-founded the Social Democratic Party in the early 80s before it merged with the Liberals, claimed it was great to be back in the town where the SDP contested it’s first by-election in 1981.

She said: “Warrington was our beginning with the SDP, it has a special place in our hearts.

“It’s nice to see that it has bounced back from the economic recession of the 1980s, the council have done a good job.”

The Lib Dems, who hold the majority of borough council seats in the constituency, have come third behind Labour and the Conservatives in the last three general elections in Warrington South.

But Baroness Williams, who leant her support to Lib Dem candidate Jo Crotty at the event, is now hoping Nick Clegg’s performance at the first Leaders’ TV debate will see them take ‘giant leaps’ in their election drive.

She said: “We stand a very good chance.

“Nick did brilliantly well, he’s catapulted us to equal status with the leading parties.”

The Baroness also spoke of the importance of the town’s rugby league team following Mr Clegg’s meeting with the Wolves Foundation.

She said: “Rugby league is a great northern sport, and it’s not as recognised by the media as it should be.”