SINCE St Helens Council’s draft version of its Local Plan was published in December 2016 there has been varying degrees of unrest in some districts of the borough.

The worries for communities faced by major changes on their doorsteps and the potential loss of green belt in future years is understandable.

And they must be hugely frustrated that nearly two years – following on from consultation – a finalised Local Plan has still to be published.

Judging by the comments of the council leader Derek Long this week (page 2) the local authority too has significant frustrations, mainly with the government whose housing target figures appear conflicted. He says this is making it “impossible” to produce a plan.

The delay is heightening tensions between community groups and the council. The government – which has told councils to produce these plans – needs to provide clarity, urgently.

Only then, will all parties be able to move forwards.

  • Next Wednesday (October 10) marks World Mental Health Day. The scale of the issue in St Helens has been well documented by the Star in recent months, with the suicide rate the highest in the country, a rise in the use of anti-depressants and problems with self harm. As we’ve written before, we feel it’s important that, as a community, St Helens is upfront and open in talking about this – and takes positive action. We’re keen to highlight what others are doing next Wednesday and would urge readers to get in touch via the Star’s online channels.