I HAVE been reading the Local Plan Preferred Options published by St Helens Council and have strong reservations about the strategy.


The central theme is that, with the expansion of Liverpool port, there is more demand for warehousing and the strategic location of St Helens allows warehouses to be built near the motorways and create jobs in the borough.


We see similar developments in Warrington on the former Burtonwood airfield.


But should we plough up St Helens green belt to mimic what is already being done elsewhere?


Warehouses may create jobs, but these jobs are at risk of competition from other towns or being lost to automation in future.

How about a more imaginative and ambitious strategy? Liverpool and Manchester have vibrant digital economies and Salford has Media City.

Let’s look to these industries which create well paid jobs and allow people to compete on the world stage.


The retail offering in other towns is far superior, such as Golden Square shopping centre in Warrington.

St Helens Council should consider an ambitious investment in the town centre to replace the three existing precincts with a modern indoor shopping centre with parking to attract prestigious department store chains and create local jobs. 


If there was ever a time for the opposition parties to challenge the leadership we have in St Helens, it is now.

A coalition of opposition parties on this single issue could make a real difference and put some serious pressure on the present leadership.


Names and address submitted