THE Trade Union and Socialist Coalition has announced a candidate for the Poulton-with-Fearnhead Parish Council by-election.

The controversial by-election, which was triggered by the resignation of Cllr Ian Johnson, comes at a cost of £6,000 even though the successful candidate will only spend a matter of months in the post before the May 2016 elections.

Padgate resident Bob Taylor, a governor at Bruche Junior School and a retired Daresbury laboratory worker, will be contesting the by-election for the TUSC.

He said: “Labour have got a lot to answer for in Poulton-with-Fearnhead – their councillor has resigned and cost taxpayers nearly £6,000.

“Over the summer TUSC councillor Kevin Bennett exposed their secret plan for a gypsy site here in Bruche and they have still got £2m set aside in their budget for the project but are refusing to tell the people of this town where they are going to put it.

“I agree with the people of this area that the site near Bennetts Rec is not a suitable location.

“I want an end to Labour’s secrecy, I want Bruche taken off the list of potential sites and an open and transparent discussion between representatives of Warrington communities and the travellers to work out an appropriate and mutually agreed site for travellers.

“We need someone who will be open and honest with the people – we can’t trust Labour to do that.”

TUSC councillor Kevin Bennett welcomed that news that Bob Taylor would be standing in the by-election.

He said: “The local Labour party are now a serious threat to our town with their secret plans, closed door meeting and bitter infighting.

“”When casting their vote people should not be fooled by what Labour have to say – putting another one of the councillors in power is a real risk to Warrington’s future.

“I believe Bob has the experience to be a really good parish councillor for Bruche and we hope that people will vote for him on Thursday December 10.”