ENERGY and localism will be at the top of a political leader’s list of topics when he speaks in Northwich on Friday.

Nigel Farage, leader of the UK Independence Party (UKIP), will attack both Labour and the Coalition Government’s approach to energy as well as the amount of development taking place against the wishes of communities.

Mr Farage is speaking at Winnington Park Recreation Club at 7pm on Friday, January 24, as part of UKIP’s strategy to target the Weaver Vale constituency.

He said: “Whilst Miliband and his advisors come up with ‘clever gimmicks’ like freezing energy bills, in the real world people and businesses struggle to cope with energy costs as high as anywhere in the western world.

“Green taxes, carbon levy’s, you name it, Labour and the Conservatives are forever dreaming up new ways to push up energy costs and what’s the result? People struggling with bills and manufacturers moving their plants overseas.

“How ironic that I shall be speaking at Winnington Park Recreation Club in the very shadow of Tata. “ Their recent announcement of the closure of the Winnington soda ash and calcium chloride plants due to high energy costs will cost 200 jobs here in Northwich.

“It is a heavy blow and a reminder that manufacturing in the UK remains precarious whilst energy costs remain so high.”

Mr Farage also criticised the way local development and neighbourhood plans have been tackled.

“What is Eric Pickles doing?

“He was responsible for the Localism Act.

“He championed locals having a say in the development of their community.

“Yet, all around the country, I hear of well prepared, carefully thought out Neighbourhood Plans, like the one in Hartford, simply being thrown in the bin by Eric Pickles and the Conservatives.”

For more information about the meeting visit ukipcheshirewest.wordpress.com, search UKIPCheshireWest on Facebook or email Chris Watkin, chairman of UKIP Cheshire West, at chriswatkin72@gmail.com or ring 07940 877465.