AN MP says ‘people expect better’ after Warrington Borough Council (WBC) ruled out erecting boundary signs to show the town is ‘located’ in Lancashire rather than Cheshire.

The British Counties Campaign (BCC) wants the current ‘ceremonial counties’ to be abolished and hopes the boundaries of traditional counties will be marked on maps and signage in the future.

Historically, Warrington was located within Lancashire but – following local government reforms in 1974 – it became a borough within Cheshire.

BCC has been urging people in Warrington who believe they are a resident in Cheshire, rather than Lancashire, to look at the evidence and ‘re-evaluate their position’.

The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government has published guidance to bring together resources to help local authorities prepare ‘effective and well-supported’ activities to celebrate historic counties.

As reported last week, WBC says Warrington has been in Cheshire for all ceremonial purposes since 1974.

It added that it does not believe the erection of boundary signs will be a cost-effective decision and would be ‘likely to confuse residents and businesses’.

However, the comments have sparked a response from BCC’s lead MP, Henry Smith.

The Tory politician, who holds the Crawley seat, said: “Warrington and all councils should respect our national county heritage.

“They have the guidance from the local government minister. People expect better.”

BCC claim the confusion that currently exists is being caused by councils, adding that it is ‘seeking to remove’ it.