THE leader of Crewe and Nantwich Borough Council's Labour group, Cllr Steve Hogben, has branded the Tory leadership of the council as 'careless' in its approach to possible changes in the workings of local government.

Cllr Hogben said: 'Until last May, there was unanimity across all six districts of Cheshire that the best way forward was for three councils to handle all local government services, instead of the existing seven, split between the county and districts.

'But Cllr Silvester has deliberately undermined this consensus, because he is opposed to anything that threatens his personal power base in Crewe and Nantwich.'

'The Government has now approved consultation on two alternative plans for the future of local councils in Cheshire. Thanks to Cllr Silvester's careless leadership, Crewe and Nantwich has lost influence in Cheshire and we run the risk of being taken wherever other councils decide.'

He added: 'Crewe and Nantwich Labour Group believes a three-unitary system for Cheshire, under which our borough would be paired with Vale Royal to form a mid-Cheshire council, offers a much better option.

'The Government is not consulting on this option at this stage, though it has not been shelved altogether.

'Crewe and Nantwich Borough Labour Group believes the ideal choice would be a unitary council for each district, and we would abolish the County Council altogether. We think the public should be asked if they like the sound of this option too. It works in Halton and Warrington - why not here as well?'