FOLLOWING the announcement of the Labour Party's candidate for the Winick Parish Council by-election, an independent candidate has ramped up his campaign.

Andy Griffiths is standing as an independent candidate in the Peel Hall ward in Winwick.

Mr Griffiths and his partner moved to the area in 2020, and joined groups to help renovate the parish churchyard, as well as local litter-picking groups.

Warrington Guardian: Mr Griffiths says he wants to restore the voice of local peopleMr Griffiths says he wants to restore the voice of local people (Image: Andy Griffiths)

Andy said: "When the vacancy in parish council representing the Peel Hall ward was announced, I quickly decided it was a great opportunity to continue to get involved with the community in a more official capacity."

The independent said that he is standing with no party affiliation because 'in local government, elected officials should represent the voices of their electorate only, and not the views and policies of a party that can be at odds with local needs.'

An active member of the community, Mr Griffiths has engaged at various levels with the Save Peel Hall campaign group, adding: "I’d met the Save Peel Hall Campaign Group in the Local Plan inspection sessions, and given the approval of the large development of 1,200 homes in the area, I felt that it was especially important that Peel Hall residents have a voice in the Parish Council as the planning and development process continues."

Andy took aim at the Labour councillors on the parish council, accusing them of engaging in little dialogue with local people: "Despite having three Labour parish councillors representing them since 2021, there seems to be little dialogue with local people in the ward."

Wendy Johnson is the spokesperson for the Save Peel Hall campaign group, she said:"To me, Andy’s candidacy as an independent comes as a breath of fresh air.

"He’s passionate and committed and I’m sure he’ll work hard for his electorate and give them a voice, something they haven’t had for some time."

Warrington Borough Council has issued a warning in face of renewed strikes by Royal Mail workers: "Residents who are postal voters in this election, and have not received their postal vote, can apply for a replacement pack by contacting the council’s electoral services team, by 5pm on Thursday, December 8.

"If you have already received your pack, do not put the completed postal vote in a Royal Mail post box after the last collection on Tuesday, December 6, as this vote will not be received in time to be counted."

Warrington Guardian: Andy has lived in the area since 2020Andy has lived in the area since 2020 (Image: Andy Griffiths)

The council added: "The deadline for receipt of completed postal votes is 10pm on Thursday, December 8."

Polling stations for the Winwick by-election can be found here:

  • Greenwood Centre, Meteor Crescent, WA2 0DU
  • Cinnamon Brow Community Centre (The Farm), Perth Close, WA2 0SF
  • Mobile unit, Ulverston Avenue, WA2 9JX