THE General Election is a mere week away and the Parliamentary candidates for Eddisbury are desperate to convince the people of Winsford to vote for their party.

Last week the six candidates were given up to three minutes to convince a packed audience to vote for their party in the upcoming General Election on May 7.

And with just a week left until residents get to cast their vote at their local polling stations, the candidates have made one final pitch to voters.

The six Eddisbury candidates are: James Laing (Labour), Antoinette Sandbach (Conservatives), Ian Priestner, (Liberal Democrats), Rob Millington (UKIP), Andrew Garman (Green Party) and George Antar (Cannabis Is Safer Than Alcohol).

Here’s what the Labour, Conservative, Liberal Democrat and UKIP candidates have to say. 

 

James Laing, Labour

If elected as Winsford's next Member of Parliament I will work with local businesses, councils and the wider community both in Winsford and Eddisbury to ensure we attract well paid, secure jobs, investment and implement the Neighbourhood Plan.

I will back the Labour Government's commitment to first cut then freeze business rates for small to medium size firms. In addition Labour is also committed to allowing local communities to keep 100 per cent of business rates from new growth.

As your MP my constituency office would be based in Winsford, however I also plan to have a mobile office that will travel to all the villages within Eddisbury. I will hold regular surgeries, without the need for an appointment.

I will be a full time member of parliament I will not take a paid second job - no directorships, no consultancy. My sole commitment will be to the people of Eddisbury.

 

Antoinette Sandbach, Conservatives

Regeneration of the Town Centre is vital for the future of Winsford. 

I have already held a meeting with Cllr Mike Jones, head of Cheshire West and Chester Council, to make clear the importance of implementing​  the Neighbourhood Plan. 

Cllr Jones has confirmed that an offer to buy the shopping centre has been made to the owners, and CWAC are awaiting confirmation as to whether or not it has been accepted. 

I want to make sure that there is sustained pressure on both the owners and the council to make sure that regeneration plans move forward. 

The Neighbourhood Plan is an exciting vision for the future of Winsford. 

The strength of Winsford is the warmth and friendliness that is clear from those living in the town and we need change to encourage people to visit Winsford as a destination.

 

Ian Priestner, Liberal Democrats

Both the Labour Party and Conservative Party have let Winsford down.

For the last few decades Winsford has been taken for granted by Labour, ignored by the Conservatives, who rely on the rural areas for their votes to win the Parliamentary seat of Eddisbury.

The Liberal Democrats will fight to create a new 21st century town centre complex with strong retail, leisure and cultural activities, especially for younger people.

We will integrate transport to promote walking, cycling and safe access to rail and bus services. 

We will fight Labour and the Conservatives to stop housing on the Flashes, one of the few green spaces left in the town.

Winsford needs more jobs and houses to suit all needs in the right places. Winsford deserves a bright future, or it will be left behind by its neighbours, Chester and Northwich. 

I’m the only election candidate local to Winsford and will push hard to develop the Neighbourhood Plan if I win on May 7.

 

Rob Millington, UKIP

The people of Winsford have been badly let down by both Labour and Conservatives in a long drawn out process involving inadequate half measures over recent decades. 

We are seeing job losses among staff at Winsford Academy and Mid Cheshire College have also announced a reduction in vocational courses in Winsford.

Thus we have education a key to social mobility being undermined in what is one of the most economically deprived areas of Eddisbury. 

UKIP would focus on the development of education with a commitment to secure funding that has been thoroughly costed and externally verified.

Another key local issue is the provision of housing, currently the attractive area around Rilshaw Lane is up for development. 

UKIP would instead focus on the development of Brownfield sites, these are numerous and spacious nearby but an over-burdening of regulation (including EU restrictions) currently renders this option more difficult to developers. 

Winsford needs honest and measured investment and sensible planning laws for the building of new homes.