BIG PICTURE
RESTORE FREE MOVEMENT
IN 1991 I was actively engaged in opposing the Conservative Party’s poll tax. Today I am opposing the Brexit deal.
In 1991 I repeatedly told Conservative councillors and supporters that the answer was local income tax because it was cost effective and progressive.
Today the Brexit problems regarding HGV drivers and other numerous staff shortages could be resolved by the UK joining the EU Freedom of Movement option.
Incidentally, the new AstraZeneca plant has been built in Dublin.
Prosperity could be achieved by agreeing to EU standards and joining the single market.
All of the above is common sense but as Andrew Carmegie stated, ‘it isn’t that common.’ Stephen Broadhead, European Movement Macclesfield and East Cheshire
POOREST BEAR BREXIT BRUNT
THE nightmare of post-Brexit trade is turning into an unpleasant reality for British people.
In particular, food and supply chain shortages (along with rising rates of inflation) will see price increases passed on to consumers.
This is alongside the cuts to Universal Credit as well, meaning the poorest in this country will be hit hardest.
Best for Britain, along with the UK Trade and Business Commission, has highlighted in a new report how post-Brexit trade challenges are causing hardships.
The government needs to improve its outdated systems, push for a smoother deal with the EU and restore compassion to its politics by keeping the £20 uplift to Universal Credit.
We cannot let one disaster simply lead to another.
John Handford, via email
IT’S time to speak up for our local villages and protect their unique identities, as Cheshire
East Council is now consulting on the future of many parish councils as part of its community governance review.
The final plans will be implemented before the scheduled local elections in May 2023.
The consultation is causing concern in rural communities and villages across Cheshire East.
Residents I have met in Lyme Green are strongly against plans for the village to become part of a much larger Macclesfield Town Council.
I recently met members of Gawsworth Parish Council who are opposed to plans for the
Gawsworth Moss area also being included in the town councils’ area.
They are concerned about what appears to be a land grab on behalf of the bigger council and, like residents in Lyme Green, they believe the plans would make it more difficult to speak out against unwanted future property development.
Other villages have expressed their strong concerns about the latest proposals. Eaton, Marton and North Rode parish councils each want to see plans to merge their councils rejected.
There is also active opposition to proposals that would bring Macclesfield Forest, Wildboarclough, Wincle and parts of Sutton Parish Council into a new – less local – single council.
Each of the communities rightly believe that the plans would be deeply damaging to the local community spirit and their sense of identity.
I will continue to campaign with the affected communities to object to these plans in Cheshire East Council’s consultation, which started on September 6 and ends on November
28. Further details can be found on the council’s website. I would urge as many local residents as possible to take part.