We have seen a number of positive actions in the ward over recent months in what has been an extraordinarily difficult time, due to Covid 19, which have included: dealing with a number of fly-tipping incidents; support with benefit advice for self-employed and self-isolating residents; housing queries and antisocial behaviour.
Although we cannot hold surgeries at the moment, residents are still getting in touch by phone and via our regularly updated Facebook pages – Runcorn Town Labour and/or Councillor Norman Plumpton Walsh. We are still here to help.
The three ward councillors are members of the Town Team who are active and committed to developing the town centre. More recently contributing to the plans for the Station Quarter and the Runcorn Town Vision as part of a number of Funding Bids to support these initiatives. We consider that they are important to the long-term strategy to re-connect-the community with the town centre. The importance of the local high street has become more evident than ever during the Covid lockdowns.
Again, despite COVID the Old Town in Bloom group of volunteers continue to maintain our lovely community garden which provides a peaceful haven in the heart of the town. Cllr Pauline Sinnott, who volunteers at the garden, says “it has been difficult as we need to meet safely and this limits community activity”.
The Silver Jubilee Bridge has required more extensive works than originally thought, but is on target to reopen very soon in early 2021. As people know, the same operating parameters will be in place as with Mersey Gateway. Residents £10 annual subscription will apply across both bridges. This work has also been part financed by Liverpool City Region, and metro mayor Steve Rotherham.
The Unlock Runcorn project is something we keenly monitor. They too have been a victim of COVID, and no working parties meeting on a Saturday morning as usual. Cllr Rosie Leck has said, “this is still an exciting time as the engineers reports and site ground studies have been completed. We now need to continue to work to lever in funding to ensure this happens”.
Pauline is retiring from the council this year but is delighted to say that Victoria Begg has been selected as the candidate to stand in the May election. Victoria lives and works in Runcorn and is our current Labour Contact for the Weston part of the ward and is a valuable member of the Mersey Weston Team. She brings her experience as a Manager of a Social Enterprise helping local people to gain employment skills as well as her knowledge of the local area.
Cllr Norman Plumpton Walsh said: “I would advise anyone who wishes to see what is going on in Runcorn, or who wishes to raise any concerns, or issues you may have, to get on the Runcorn Town Labour page on Facebook and we will respond as soon as we can.” As a member of Cheshire Police and Crime Panel, he also said: “If you have any concerns about anti-social behaviour issues, please make sure that you contact the police on 101, or one of your Labour Ward councillors, can take up the issue for you.”
Finally, from all three of your ward Labour councillors please make sure that you continue to take care and stay safe in these exceptionally difficult days.
Never making promises, or saying what we think you want to hear. If we cannot help, we will be honest with you.
Cllr’s Pauline Sinnott, Norman Plumpton Walsh, Rosie Leck & Candidate Victoria Begg.
