Cheshire East Council leader faces petition calling for his dismissal

Sam Corcoran, leader of Cheshire East Council, has come under pressure to quit amid concerns over finances, potholes, and housing.

Deciding enough is enough, Middlewich resident Laura Turner set up a petition calling on him to be removed from office, which received more than 200 signatures in less than a week.

She said: “Cheshire East residents have had enough.

“Our town, like other Cheshire East towns, has suffered under the leadership of Labour leader Sam Corcoran.

“Sam Corcoran has shown a blatant disregard for his constituents' voices, often dismissing local petitions and responding rudely to residents who dare challenge him.

“This is not in line with the Cheshire East objectives of being open and fair."

Ms Turner believes Cllr Corcoran has broken 'numerous promises', stating that the local authority has been 'brought to near bankruptcy'.

Other concerns include roads 'riddled' with potholes and houses being built without the necessary infrastructure in place.

Ms Turner also feels 'millions of pounds have been wasted' and that services are 'deteriorating'.

She added: “It's time for us, the residents, to take charge!

“We demand that Sam Corcoran be removed from office immediately so that we can begin repairing our community under new leadership that truly values its constituents' voices and concerns.”

The petition comes as Cheshire East is expected to approve a rise in council taxes (Image: Cheshire East Council)

The petition comes as Cheshire East is set to approve a 4.99 per cent hike in its share of the tax at its budget meeting on Tuesday (February 27).

Cllr Corcoran said councils have to make 'some of their toughest decisions' because of increased costs and spikes in demand for social care services.

He added: “No council leader takes the decision to raise council tax lightly as we know this will add to the cost of living for residents, but councils have had little choice but to put up council tax due to the increased demands, particularly in children’s services.

“The next Government must set out a long-term funding plan for councils while also undertaking a comprehensive reform programme to help drive down costs, especially for children’s services and home-to-school transport.”

READ MORE: Council tax set to rise to an average £2,217 for band D householder

Cheshire East has responded to the petition, stating that financial pressures are affecting decision-making at councils all over the country.

A spokesperson said: “We understand that many people are concerned about the council’s financial position, and we are working extremely hard to continue to provide support for those who need it most in the borough. 

“However, the financial pressures that have built over recent years, and that are affecting councils across the country, mean that we will have to do things differently to ensure we are in a financially sustainable position.

“We also know that people are worried and affected by the increased cost of living.  People can find out more about what support and guidance is available to them by visiting www.cheshireeast.gov.uk/costofliving or phoning the cost-of-living crisis team on 0300 123 5024.

“If members of the public wish to raise any issues directly, they can do so at council meetings.”