THE Town Hall's political chiefs have hit back at MP Helen Jones after she criticized their financial control.

In last week's Warrington Guardian, Mrs Jones accused the Liberal Democrat/Conservative leadership of wasting money after it was revealed more than £20,000 was lost in the decision to host a Ferris wheel over Christmas.

Now council leader Ian Marks and deputy Keith Bland say she needs to start living in the real world.

Clr Marks said: "We have presided over an enormous efficiency drive.

"We've got a grip' on runaway spending like Warrington's infamous skittles' and instead delivered real savings of more than £4.7 million.

"We've got a grip' on saving council taxpayers' money by reducing our internal costs, generating more income and streamlining services.

"All this, while putting money into the services that matter most to Warrington's residents.

"We've spent more money than ever before on helping elderly people maintain their independence. We've made huge strides forward in improving our local environment and boosting recycling.

"We've seen a 30 per cent decrease in crime as a direct result of our targeted investment in more community support officers and neighbourhood wardens.

"We face tough choices, mainly as a result of a poor financial settlement from Ms Jones' Government, but in the real world, we're prepared to take these decisions."

Deputy leader Keith Bland added: "If Ms Jones would come down from her ivory tower, she could join us in dealing with the real issues facing Warrington.

"Rather than shouting from the sidelines about a Ferris wheel and us rightly rewarding the hard work of council staff, she should take some concrete action to help stop her Government closing much valued post offices or get on board with our efforts to tackle anti-social behaviour.

"Sadly it seems to be another case of all talk, not enough action' from this MP."

Councillors will agree this year's budget at a meeting on Monday. Council tax is set to rise by almost five per cent from April.