Health on agenda for councillor

A RUNCORN councillor has said work is being done to improve health in a Halton neighbourhood ranked among the most affected by illness and disability in the country.

Cllr Pauline Hignett’s comments came after the Office For National Statistics revealed Windmill Hill has the 10th lowest healthy life expectancy for women and the 38th worst for men from nearly 8,000 council ward areas in England and Wales.

The estate has a population of around 2,400 and one councillor.

It also has a younger population than average, with only 13.3% of residents aged 65 years and over.

Windmill Hill also recently lost its doctor’s practice, meaning residents have to travel out of area.

Cllr Hignett said the area received funding six years ago for tackling its health problems and the work it has created ‘only took off in the last three years’.

She said a National Lottery-backed Big Local project is under way and efforts on ongoing to boost employment in conjunction with the Power In Partnership team at Priory View by helping teenagers and the elderly to write their CVs.

St Berteline’s Church also hosts a free meal once a week and she said a member of Halton Borough Council staff is going to be working on a separate project with families, helping the children and dealing with health issues.

Cllr Hignett said: “It’s an area of deprivation, we’ve know that for a long time.

“Big Local put on an awful lot of activities on for the children. “We’re moving forward. “I’m not saying it’s gone away but at least we’re contacting more people on the estate.

“There are many things going on and we’ve been doing it for a long time.

“Everything’s been out for consultation.”