wl1921

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WEST LANCASHIRE

12 May 2021

Vol 28 Issue 19

INSIDE THIS WEEK: Man in critical condition after being hit by a train at station Report by Henry James A MAN is in a critical condition in hospital after he was struck by a train near Ormskirk station. Emergency services attended the scene shortly after 10pm on Friday, May 7 following reports of a person seen injured on the tracks. A spokesperson for British Transport Police commented: “Officers were called to Ormskirk station shortly after 10pm on May 7 following reports of a casualty on the tracks. “Paramedics also attended and a man was taken to Ormskirk Railway station. hospital where he remains in a critical condition. The incident is not being treated as suspicious.” Northern has said that one of their drivers of a Preston to Ormskirk service reported striking a man on the tracks near to Ormskirk station before 10pm on May 7. A spokesperson for Northern said: “Shortly before 10pm on Friday 7 May the driver of the Preston to Ormskirk service reported striking a person on the tracks near to Ormskirk station. Emergency services attended.” A hazardous area response team was also sent to the scene by North West Ambulance service.

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CALLS FOR ALL-PARTY CABINET ON COUNCIL AFTER LABOUR LOSSES Independents set to hold sway on local authority after election shake-up Report by Henry James LABOUR has lost overall control of West Lancashire Borough Council after losing three seats in last week’s local elections. While Labour remain the party with most seats on 26, the Conservatives gained a seat to bring their total up to 20, and Our West Lancashire also gained a seat to bring their total up to seven. The elections also saw an Independent councillor win a seat in Sklemersdale, the first non-Labour councillor elected in the town for decades. It means Labour no longer has a majority and therefore the ability to automatically form its own cabinet. Instead, it must form an alliance with another party, attempt to run a minority leadership or form a cross-party working relationship. Party leaders will hold a meeting on how to move forward on Wednesday, May 19, with the leader of

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Our West Lancashire Councillors Owens, Clandon and Johnson on election night.

the independent party, Our West Lancashire, Councillor Adrian Owens calling for an all-party executive to run the local authority. Labour leader Councillor Ian Moran said the results were “disappointing but not unexpected taking into account the national picture.” He added: “West Lancashire Labour group intends to continue if possible to lead and run this council in the best interests of its people and its residents. “The next 12 months and beyond are going to be focused on rebuilding and strengthening our communities and our businesses post Covid. “We look forward to realistic and serious sugges-

tions and ideas from everyone.” Before Thursday Labour had 29 seats on West Lancashire Borough Council, the Conservatives had 19 and Our West Lancashire had six. Labour lost one of their seats in Skelmersdale, which is usually a stronghold for the party. James Upjohn (Independent) was elected to the Ashurst ward with 1,162 votes, with Labour’s Margaret Blake coming second with 608 votes. Our West Lancashire took the Burscough West seat from Labour. George Clandon was elected with 649 votes, Labour’s Andrew Pritchard was second with 507 votes. The Conservatives gained the Halsall seat from Labour. The Conservative’s Denise Hirrell took 322 votes, and David Heywood (Labour) was second with 149 votes. Councillor David Westley Conservative leader, said: “I was delighted with the outcome of what was a hard fought campaign. “With West Lancs now a hung council, I am hopeful that we can now cut waste and introduce the efficiencies to preserve essential frontline services” Our West Lancashire group chairman, Councillor Adrian Owens said: “The clear message from West Lancashire voters is that they don’t have confidence in either of the two big parties. “We are ready to talk to both Labour and Conservative. No one has a monopoly of good ideas. We Continued inside

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