Crewe town council elections poised for April 4

 

Elections for a town council in Crewe look set to be held next April.

The authority’s constitution committee is recommending the new council should be made up of 16 councillors and the seats should be contested on April 4, 2013.

Residents gave a resounding ‘yes’ to the formation of a town council during a ballot, which took place in February.

A total of 10,810 people felt the formation of a single town council was the right thing for Crewe, meaning almost nine out of 10 who voted (88.5 per cent) were in favour. The number of people who voted ‘no’ came to 1,390.

Now, all 82 Cheshire East councillors are being asked to vote on the matter at a meeting of Full Council tomorrow (May 16).

A second wave of consultation is poised to begin on June 11 for three weeks, which will allow residents and stakeholders a chance to give their views on matters such as the warding arrangements.

Proposals currently show there would be the following six wards:

· St Barnabas (represented by two town councillors)

· Crewe Central (two town councillors)

· Crewe North (two town councillors)

· Crewe South (three town councillors)

· Crewe East (four town councillors)

· Crewe West (three town councillors)

A final decision is expected in October.

Councillor Michael Jones, Cabinet member with responsibility for resources, said: “The electorate told us very clearly that they want a town council in Crewe and Cheshire East is now paving the way for this to become a reality.

“Such a body would be better placed to take control of certain services and assets such as Crewe Market Hall and give the town a more ‘local’ voice.

“The views of the people have been listened to and will continue to be heard as we move forward with the next stage of consultation and a potential new and exciting era for Crewe.”

Electors in the unparished portion of the Cheshire East ward of Leighton will also be asked if they would prefer to be included in a new Crewe council ward of St Barnabas or stay within the existing Leighton parish.

Further information on the Crewe governance review can be found at: www.cheshireeast.gov.uk/crewegovreview