Councillor calls for credit crunch help for Neston

Nov 19 2008 By Lorna Hughes

Scott Mealor

A COUNCILLOR has called for measures to help Neston businesses and residents during what he describes as the worst economic downturn he can recall.

Ellesmere Port and Neston Conservative group leader Myles Hogg was speaking during Thursday’s full council meeting, where he welcomed the move to scrap charges at Ellesmere Port’s main car park.

Cllr Hogg, who serves Willaston & Thornton, says the borough council needs to be "innovative" over the coming weeks and show the public that it cares before it makes way for the new Cheshire West and Chester authority in April.

He said: "I can never remember a recession like this.

"We need meaningful measures to help business people of the borough and residents of the borough who are in for a very bad year or two.

"We have got to be innovative in such a downturn. It’s time for leadership, to show the community we do care.

"I hope this initiative is one of many."

In response, Ellesmere Port and Neston borough council leader Justin Madders said the decision to make the main town centre car park completely free showed that the authority can be "flexible" and "pro-active" when the situation requires it.

He added: "I will be meeting with the chief executive to come up with a list of things we can do to really assist local people and businesses."