IT might have been named the best council in the land last year, but the Conservatives believe Cheshire West and Chester can do much more.

The group has launched its manifesto for May’s election with a promise to make sure that every council tax payer in the borough gets to see their money being spent wisely.

And with the political make-up of the council finely balanced, the Tories are battling hard to take control from their Labour rivals.

“People need a council with common sense that works for them,” said Cllr Lynn Riley, leader of CWAC’s Conservative group.

“One that puts them and their family first. One that is efficient and effective with their money. Above all, a Conservative council that improves life and opportunities for local people.

“Cheshire West can’t afford another four years of Labour.”

The party’s manifesto for May 2 centres around six core pledges:

  • Abolish the newly-imposed parking charges
  • Provide regular bin collections, keep grass verges cut and streets cleaned
  • Using an extra £3.5 million to tackle potholes
  • Deliver the borough’s plastic-free status to protect the environment
  • Provide more direct support for the borough’s schools and teachers
  • Champion local communities and the borough’s proud culture and heritage

It also has specific plans for regeneration – including a new performing arts centre at Whitby Hall in Ellesmere Port, redesigning Winsford’s town centre around its salt heritage and the River Weaver and planning a new visitor attraction for Northgate in Chester.

The party says that the key to its vision is ‘getting the basics right’ while ensuring the council provides taxpayers with value for money.

Cllr Riley added: “The last four years under Labour has focussed on the funding they don’t have rather than the huge budget they do – yet they’ve wasted millions on expensive consultants, computers, buildings and parking machines.

Northwich Guardian:

“Claims that councils won’t be getting a penny from government fail to be open and honest about the £4 billion that has been through the council’s books since 2015. Imagine what a well-run council, which we could offer, with a positive partnership with Government and other funders might achieve?

“Our offer to residents is one of joined up thinking, starting with keeping taxes low and doing better with publicly-provided money.”

Labour currently has 38 members on CWAC, while the Conservatives have 35 and there are two independent councillors – and both the main parties have their eyes on control of the borough.

Last month, the ruling Labour group launched its manifesto – with key policies including building more affordable homes, supporting transport and regeneration projects, tackling poverty and homelessness and taking control of the waste and recycling contract.

Cllr Louise Gittins, Labour deputy leader on CWAC, said: “The past four years have shown what Labour’s hard work, innovation and financial common sense bring to Cheshire West, and our success was recognised by the Association of Public Service Excellence when they awarded us 2018’s Council of the Year.

“Our plan will give even more to the borough through long-term investment in town centres, transport, leisure and tourism, through ground-breaking green initiatives, and through democratically-run public services for the many.

Northwich Guardian:

“It is a comprehensive programme that we can’t wait to deliver. No short-termism, no sticking plasters, but a thorough, balanced commitment to building stronger local communities.”

May’s election will also be the first since CWAC’s reorganisation of electoral wards.

There will be five fewer councillors – 70 down from 75 – and 45 wards in total, with all but three having changed from the current wards, and one being removed.

Full details on the candidates and other parties who will be involved are yet to be confirmed.

For more information about this year’s election click here.

To see the Conservative manifesto in full click here.

For Labour’s manifesto in full, click here.