Cheshire East councillor supports a town council for Crewe

12:50pm Friday 28th November 2008

MAJOR plans to give a voice to the people of Crewe have received the backing of a Crewe councillor, furious over a ‘gagging order’ by leaders of the new East Cheshire Council.

Cllr Roy Cartlidge represents Crewe West on the shadow East Cheshire Council, along with the St Barnabas ward on the borough authority.

He said: “I now feel we can fully support the idea that Crewe has its own town council.

“I say that because of the process of Local Government Reorganisation and the way in which the Cheshire East Council will operate.

“A decision by the council leader Councillor Wesley Fitzgerald, a Tory from Macclesfield, effectively gags all back bench councillors and restricts the way in which we can keep the executive to account and ensure responsible governance.

“No questions can now be asked at full council unless we give three working days in writing.

“An idea was talked about recently that the town should be split into four with a town or parish council for each.

“That’s nonsense – people think of themselves as belonging to Crewe full stop.

“A town council will give a definite boost to local democracy by being accountable to the people and run by Crewe residents alone.

“A Mayor would further give Crewe a powerful voice, may I dare to guess more effective than a Cheshire East Mayor.

“I therefore recommend the townspeople sign the petition and give Crewe the chance to be powerful and demand change for enhanced democracy and civic life.”