Cheshire West & Chester Conservative Group Leader, Councillor Adrian Waddelove, has welcomed the positive news that the Shopmobility service will continue in Chester, while deriding the “screeching U-turn from a Labour administration so out of control it can’t even make consistent or fair decision making for residents.
Commenting on today’s announcement, Cllr Waddelove said:
“12 months ago, Labour Councillors slashed the Shopmobility subsidy resulting in the closure of its Northwich and Ellesmere Port sites. Cheshire West and Chester Council said they would engage in a consultation process last summer – and didn’t. And 11 days ago, CWaC confirmed the end of the service in Chester too.
“After discussions with the Shopmobility provider, Dial Cheshire West, it became clear that they believed Shopmobility could continue on a commercial basis in Chester with a year’s extra notice. As they had not been given adequate notice, Conservative Councillors were planning a positive budget amendment on Thursday 20th February to continue Shopmobility for a further 12 months in order to give them time.
“Despite stating it wouldn’t, now - literally on the eve of Budget Council – Labour politicians have done a 180-degree reversal due to the strong public reaction against its budget cuts.
“While we are delighted to see the continuation of this service, which is vital to many residents and volunteers, the communication by the Labour administration gives an insight into the chaotic, and at times, shambolic nature of how Cheshire West is being run.
“Whether it be on Special Educational Needs services, PCB** investigations or now this, residents deserve clear and accountable leadership which we simply aren’t seeing.”
** Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs) contaminated sites.