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MP Gwyneth Dunwoody has entered the fray over local government reorganisation, claiming it would be ‘madness' to split Cheshire into two. The Crewe and Nantwich MP is leading a campaign against the Government's plans to split the county into two unitaries. ‘Cheshire is a cohesive whole, with its social services, education services and transport services planned on an integrated basis,' she said. ‘It is a ridiculous misapprehension to imagine that Cheshire can be split into bits because some people travel outside the county for work. ‘I am appalled at the suggestion that there is a natural split between east and west, which shows a grave misunderstanding of the history, economy and development of the Cheshire area.' Chester City Council's plans for an east and a west Cheshire unitary were approved by local government minister,John Healey, in July. The hearing into the judicial review brought by Shrewsbury and Atcham BC, together with Congleton and Harrogate BCs, starts today (12 Septemebr). It is expected to conclude on Thursday. Penwith DC has become the latest authority to announce it would be seeking a judicial review over reorganisation. Councillors voted last week to go ahead with the challenge in partnership with West Wiltshire, Salisbury and Kennet DCs. North Wiltshire DC has decided not to support the three other district councils in the county which are seeking a judicial review into Wiltshire CC's unitary bid. ‘The council has decided there is no good reason for the taxpayers of north Wiltshire to pay for yet another judicial review,' said council leader, Dick Tonge. ‘This money can be better spent providing services for the residents of north Wiltshire.'

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WHITEHALL

Senior MP fights Cheshire unitary

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