MORE than 4,200 people protesting against the launch of a secure mental health unit in Widnes have put their names to a petition.
Petition organisers are astounded at the staggering number of names they gathered within the space of about eight weeks of people who are objecting to Priory Group's planned mental hospital.
Members of Bennetts Lane Task Group were invited to Halton Council's municipal buildings for the official handover of the document.
The petition was received by the council's chief executive, David Parr, council leader Tony McDermott and deputy leader Rob Polhill, who is ward councillor for Halton View where Priory group is developing its controversial medium security facility.
Andy Pope, of Bennett's Lane Task Group, who handed over the petition, said: 'To get 4,200 names on the petition is a fantastic achievement.
'There are only 5,000 voters in Halton View so that's equivalent to approximately 80% of the voters.
'We started the petition two months ago, so many people have made the strength of their feelings known and we are pleased that we had the three 'top dogs' at the council to receive it from uss. '
The Priory development is currently in limbo though the building is nearing completion.
The Healthcare Commission last month refused to grant permission for the hospital to open until outstanding planning issues between the council and Priory are resolved.
The two parties are locked in a battle over whether the company requires C2A planning permission as opposed to the 'C2' permission originally granted.
adrian.short@cheshirenews.co.uk
