A COMMUNITY Governance Review into parish council arrangements, including the creation of a possible Newton Town Council, has commenced.

The review will allow St Helens Borough Council to consider what changes are needed to current arrangements.  

The formation of a town council in Newton-le-Willows was among the proposed changes to the parish councils, which has received a mixed response from local councillors and residents.

Jeanie Bell, Labour councillor for Newton-le-Willows East ward and cabinet member for safer, stronger communities, has opposed the proposal of a new town council due to fears of the added financial pressure on residents that might accompany the formation.

Cllr Bell released a statement on social media addressing the Community Governance Review report and detailing the reasons behind her decision.

Following the statement, Cllr Bell told the Star: "The petition to start the process for a ballot of residents is something I fully support.

"There is clearly a desire from many in the community for a town council and they have every right to have their voices heard, the petition was confirmed as legal and correct by the monitoring officer at St Helens Council and I trust her judgment in this as she is the expert.

"I don't however support the creation of a town council, it's not the right time when we are facing unprecedented rises in the cost of living and I fail to see the benefit for the people of Newton-le-Willows when we already have a community full of volunteers, community groups, sports clubs and community centres who do an incredible job supporting the town.

"I have always maintained I will vote in accordance with the ballot, it’s the views of our residents that matter now and I would urge every councillor to follow suit and respect the result, even if it's not the one we want personally."

St Helens Star: Cllr Jeanie Bell Cllr Jeanie Bell

The possible formation of a town council will be considered within the wider borough review.  

Following the first stage of the review process, residents and local organisations will be able to submit their views and proposals from October 3 to December 30.

Registered electors in Newton should expect to receive a postal ballot question pack regarding the formation of a town council between October 1 to October 6 and will need to submit their responses by November 3.

A public meeting will also be held on Tuesday, September 20, at 6.30pm at Hope Academy on Ashton Road.

If a Newton Town Council was created, the area would remain as part of the St Helens Metropolitan Borough.

Since 1974, the former Newton-le-Willows urban district has been part of the borough, with two wards each returning three councillors to the local authority.

  • To submit your views and read the full Terms and Reference published by the council, visit https://www.sthelens.gov.uk/CGR or email cgr@sthelens.gov.uk.