WE DO NOT WANT TO BE PART OF STOKE

Councillors hit out at ‘Greater Stoke’ speculation

POTENTIAL changes which would see the Staffordshire Moorlands lose its identity and become part of a Greater Stoke area have been met with a fierce reaction.

At last week’s full meeting of Staffordshire Moorlands District Council, a motion was approved by councillors that they write to the Government outlining their opposition to any such move.

The motion put forward by the leader of the council, Sybil Ralphs, said: “Councillors will be aware of recent reports in the media with regards to potential changes to the organisation of Local Government, including reference to the creation of a ‘Greater Stoke’ unitary authority.

“In the Staffordshire Moorlands we have a strong track record of working in partnership with Staffordshire County Council, town/parish councils and the voluntary sector to improve the quality of life for our residents, and ensuring that the voices of our communities are heard.

“The coronavirus pandemic has illustrated how we can successfully work together to support the population in the Staffordshire Moorlands by quickly addressing local needs, whether by delivering food parcels to vulnerable people or by issuing grants to businesses.

“I therefore propose that this council writes to Government to make clear our view that the current two tier working between Staffordshire Moorlands District Council and Staffordshire County Council be retained, and that there should not be a move to create a ‘Greater Stoke’ unitary authority.”

Speaking at the meeting, Councillor Ralphs, left, said: “Local government is for local people, not by a unitary authority. People are proud to call the Staffordshire Moorlands their home.

“During the coronavirus, people have worked together to help those in need. We have worked with Staffordshire County Council to help people with items that they need.

“One thing is clear – the county council and the Moorlands council work well for people in the Moorlands.

“We have the ability to deliver local services, people know you and come to you if it’s not right.

“Localism would be a backward step for a unitary authority. We are Moorlanders and want to remain unique.

“We are, however, always open to work with Stoke-on-trent.

“They are working hard to make a Greater Stoke, but our lives would change. Let us ensure that we do all we can that our Moorlands remains at local level.”

Councillor Linda Malyon said there would be no democracy.

She said: “This is important to the Staffordshire Moorlands. If it happens, all decisions will be taken out of our hands.

“You will ring people who do not know where we are from. Our area is unique.”

Councillor Mike Bowen said if the suggestion went ahead, the area would lose its parish councils.

He said: “Look at Stoke’s record, they have wasted millions on silly projects. What sort of authority is that? We are not helping Stoke-onTrent to build up an empire.

“We would lose our parish councils. Now people see you in the streets to talk to you.”

Councillor Andrew Hart said he was happy to support the motion.

He said: “There is a lot of interest by the public. People want to make it clear they do not want to be part of Stoke.”

Labour leader on the district council, Councillor Mike Gledhill, said it was speculation at this time.

He said: “There is no white paper and it has been stated that reforms could be scaled back. We want to see substance.

“National government is expensive and it is just floating the idea. Who is pushing the Greater Stoke proposal?

“If it is a threat, will the leader resign to fight the government? There are more pressing issues at this stage, so Labour will abstain on the vote.”

Councillor Bill Cawley said all options had to be looked at.

He said: “If a white paper is published, we should look at all options. We have a relationship with High Peak.”

Councillor Brian Johnson said: “We have a very good relationship with High Peak. More work could be done with Derbyshire Dales council.”

Councillors voted by 36 with none against in favour of sending a letter to the Government.

However, 12 Labour councillors abstained from the vote.