Hard work into finding solutions to flood management issues in West Lancashire is being hampered by the local Labour MP’s grandstanding. That is the view of local Conservatives who have hit out at the MP for West Lancashire for failing to work constructively with the borough council on the issue of the Alt Crossens drainage management.
Following a meeting with of leading councillors, council officers and Dan Rogerson MP, the relevant Minister, on Wednesday July 16th, which West Lancashire’s MP attended, she issued a press release which failed to set out the full picture and once again offered no practical suggestions. Cllr David Westley, Conservative leader of the Borough Council, said: “I attended the meeting and the MP brought nothing to the table apart from empty rhetoric and grandstanding. This was both disappointing and highly regrettable. “She carried this on in her subsequent press statement. Not only does she appear to be unaware that the cost of an Internal Drainage Board (IDB) would cost local taxpayers an extra £350,000, but the council’s position has cross-party support from both Conservatives and Labour. Does this mean the Labour MP is once again at odds with her local Labour councillors? “The MP’s desire to grab a headline with meaningless statements and sideswipes at the council does nothing to help those who live in the areas directly affected.”
Cllr Martin Forshaw, Conservative Portfolio Holder for Planning, added: “We need everyone working together on this for the benefit of West Lancashire, including the MP for West Lancashire. “The council’s lobbying has so far helped secure the future of Crossens Pumping Station, which is undergoing a £5 million renovation. But we remain concerned that, simply because of local government structure and boundaries, the people of West Lancashire could be asked to pay more Council Tax to fund an IDB which even the MP must admit is unfair. “I look forward to the MP resolving to work constructively with the council in the future on this and other matters for the benefit of West Lancashire taxpayers.”