POLITICAL parties have issued final pleas to residents as they aim to secure their votes in the all-out elections tomorrow, Thursday.

Every seat in the town is up for grabs as voters go to the polls.

Warrington Borough Council is composed of 58 councillors, with Labour holding control going into the elections.

The party is defending its 43 seats on the council, while the Liberal Democrats have 11, three independents and one Tory.

Each of the parties have set out why residents should vote for them.

Labour’s Cllr Russ Bowden – who is aiming to remain as council leader – said: “Warrington is the best place to live and work in the UK.

Warrington Guardian:

Cllr Russ Bowden

“This proud accolade has been hard earned by all of us, working together. You can vote to keep Warrington moving forward and becoming an even better place to live, bring up a family, work and enjoy your life.

“Warrington Labour has provided the leadership that the borough needs – revitalising the town, creating jobs, supporting businesses and protecting your local services.

“We have kept our first-class essential frontline services running despite vicious Government cuts throughout the ongoing pandemic.

“We are not complacent. We have the experience, drive and commitment to build a better borough.

“The choice is clear: Labour to drive Warrington forward or one of the other parties or 'so-called' independents that will recklessly push Warrington backwards again.

“Vote Labour and together we will build a better future for Warrington.”

Cllr Bob Barr, leader of the town’s Liberal Democrats, said: “For a better, cleaner, greener, safer, fairer and more caring Warrington please support Liberal Democrats.

Warrington Guardian:

Cllr Bob Barr

"We led Warrington Council from 2006 to 2011 and are proud of the impact that our policies have had.

"They delivered a regenerated town centre, better funded affordable housing and a green agenda.

“We fight to protect our green spaces. The real threat to green belt comes from the developer-friendly Conservative Government.

“We won’t allow developers to build houses without schools, community facilities, medical centres and shops within walking distance.

“The town needs a new hospital, local health centres and better co-ordination of health and social care.

“The council is not transparent enough or accountable to residents. We will re-establish a programme of public consultation about how money is spent.

“It is time for change in Warrington. One-party rule is bad for the town. Liberal Democrats work well with others to benefit residents, support us.”

Cllr Kath Buckley, the only Tory on the council going into the election, said: “The Conservatives offer change at the Town Hall.

Warrington Guardian:

Cllr Kath Buckley

“Our manifesto consists of six pledges. Protecting green belt, a borough open for business, fix potholes and reduce fly-tipping, delivering the right mix of homes, support the elderly and vulnerable, better services and council tax frozen.

“Conservatives have delivered £22 million in Town Deal Funding, £5.5 million to fix potholes, £3.5 million to upgrade Bank Quay Station, £800,000 to help with the inland border facility.

“The Conservative Government has supported the Rugby League World Cup with £10 million investment, £600,000 was awarded to the council for the new pitch at Victoria Park. That is just the start.

“We will tackle the council debt of £1.6 billion that the Labour Party has got us into. That equals £8,000 of debt for every person in Warrington.

“The decision on Thursday is simple, more of the same old Labour-Liberal pact with no opposition or change under the Conservatives.”

Warrington and Halton Green Party leader Lyndsay McAteer said: “If you want real change in May then vote for the Greens.

Warrington Guardian:

Lyndsay McAteer

“A vote for the Green Party is a vote for change, renewal and greater wellbeing. Vote Green for a green future where people and the planet come first.

“In Warrington, a vote for the Greens is a vote for meaningful action on climate change. Greens want greater equality and greater democracy.

“The Green Party will protect our green belt and preserve our green spaces. We will demand action on air pollution and will advocate for free buses and for significant investment into cycling and walking.

“Greens want action to ensure an increase in social housing and end to the long waiting list which many people must endure.

“Green Party councillors are not constrained by the party whip. We work directly in the interests of residents.

"Vote Green on May 6 to elect transformative Green voices to the Town Hall. Better is possible."

Andy Heaver, who is standing as an independent candidate, said: “Independent councillors live and work in the community we are standing for and therefore are in tune with the locals that we meet and talk with every day.

Warrington Guardian:

Andy Heaver

“I think in every case, the independents are motivated by seeing ineffective spending and a lack of cohesive action and are driven to do something about it.

“We’re not led by national policies, only what’s good for the area, in my case Penketh and Warrington as a whole.

“In Penketh, I look forward to working with others to reinstate proper council meetings where we listen and act on behalf of the parish, get spending back under control, raising grants where possible and focusing on real issues rather than vanity projects.

“At borough level I look forward to improving Warrington as a whole, but also directing some expenditure towards the parish, as very little money comes westward compared to other areas.”