Eddisbury MP Stephen O’Brien says Cheshire West and Chester Council is the model in saving money while protecting services

Jul 8 2010 by Ben Coulbeck, Chester Chronicle

EDDISBURY MP Stephen O’Brien believes Cheshire West and Chester Council is leading the way in cutting waste, saving money while protecting services.

Mr O’Brien also claimed that the unitary authority would also play a vital role in the future of projects and organisations that could feel the squeeze following the government’s announcement on budget cuts.

Chester Zoo’s £225m expansion project, which includes plans for a unique African bio-dome attraction and hotel accommodation, is one of the major projects which will play an important role in growing West Cheshire’s local economy under the microscope.

Mr O’Brien said: “The coalition government is very focused on trying to make sure we can save as much money as we possibly can which includes removing waste, encouraging local councils to make the savings.

“This is something where particularly Cheshire West and Chester has been making great strides in many ways led the way to cut costs while causing the least amount of damage to frontline services.

“The reassurance that can be given is that this is being done in the national interest and that we can all look forward to more prosperous and secure times.”

He continued: “Clearly the constituents of Eddisbury will have a very close interest in Chester Zoo and of course I have been a visitor there since I was six.

“It is a wonderful asset and something which we can be extremely proud of and it’s no surprise it’s one of the nation’s top tourist attractions.

“All the reasons that would have led to the NWDA looking seriously at the proposals for the development and expansion of Chester Zoo, those good arguments will be as valid to whichever funding agency exists and particularly if it has a much more enhanced local element.

“I am very confident that the local council will of course see very clearly the merits of wanting to make sure we maintain a top attraction nationwide and something that is our midst.”