VOTERS in Warrington were preparing to make their views heard at the ballot box in May.

But the scheduled all-out elections in the town have been postponed for one year due to the coronavirus pandemic.

In his announcement, housing secretary Robert Jenrick also said by-elections will be rescheduled to 2021.

A number of borough councillors were due to step down in May but they have vowed to continue serving their communities.

Labour’s Cllr Mike Hannon, a former deputy council leader, said: “I have enjoyed serving the people of Orford for 37 years and I am grateful for their support throughout these years.

“So, because of the coronavirus and the elections being delayed for one year, I am more than happy to continue serving the Orford ward for a further 12 months.”

Labour’s Cllr Pauline Nelson says she is looking forward to serving the people of Birchwood for another year.

Independent Cllr Dan Price said: “I intended to stand down this coming May after what would’ve been nine years’ service to our town and the residents of Great Sankey North and Whittle Hall.

“However, as there won’t be local elections until May 2021 due to the Covid-19 health risks, I will continue to represent my home ward, doubling my efforts to support residents through this difficult time, and working together with all colleagues in the Town Hall.”

Labour’s Cllr Chris Fitzsimmons says he is more than willing to continue representing Birchwood in these ‘difficult times’ and will retire at the appropriate date.

Labour’s Cllr Peter Carey said: “Given that the postponement of the local  elections is because of a national response to a global emergency, I feel it is incumbent on me to continue to represent the people I was elected to serve in the best way I can.”

He also highlighted the need to work together to combat coronavirus and keep communities safe.

Current Mayor of Warrington Cllr Wendy Johnson, a Liberal Democrat, was due to hand over the ceremonial chains to Labour’s Cllr Maureen Creaghan, the current deputy, at the annual council meeting in May.

And Labour has selected Cllr Jean Flaherty to serve as deputy during Cllr Creaghan’s mayoral year.

The new mayor and deputy would need to get enough support in a formal vote, which would be a formality in the Labour-run Town Hall.

Cllr Flaherty said she is ‘honoured and pleased to be trusted by colleagues’ and that she is looking forward to supporting the mayor.

However, there is uncertainty over the next mayoral year as the council awaits information from Westminster.

Council leader Cllr Russ Bowden said: “We are currently awaiting Government guidance and legislation about the management of any vacancies and by-elections, ahead of the local elections in May 2021.

“We are also awaiting national guidance regarding the annual council meeting, planned for May 26, its potential deferment and any impact on the council, including arrangements for the next mayoral year.”