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Local Conservatives have reacted with shock to the news that the ruling Labour Group on Cheshire West & Chester Council will end the vital 'Shopmobility' service for residents in the borough.
Councillor Adrian Waddelove (Farndon), Conservative Group Leader, responded to the announcement, calling it "alarming". Commenting, he explained:
"Last week, all Councillors started receiving information from the Shopmobility team, and it is frankly shocking what this Labour Council are prepared to remove from elderly and vulnerable residents.
"The Council has announced a plan to deliver £74 million worth of savings over the next four years - but what Labour Councillors might call a saving - is likely a budget cut to someone else, as in this case. Barely 12 months ago, Labour's Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care went on the record to say that "there are no plans to remove Shopmobility from Cheshire West" - clearly this was a misleading and false statement to avoid scrutiny and accountability for what this Labour Council was actually planning. This is very alarming and residents ought to be very concerned about what other services are being lined up for the chop.
"And this comes as Council Tax will increase for a 10th consecutive year under Labour locally - costing residents in Band D properties over £650 more. Whether removing winter fuel payments, decreeing to stop the handing down of Cheshire's many family farms with punitive tax changes, and now removing a vital service for those who need it most, Labour seem intent on getting people to pay ever more, for less."
Read more in this article from the Chester Standard, published on 8th February 2025: https://www.chesterstandard.co.uk/news/24920106.chester-shopmobility-funding-renewal-ends-shop-close