COUNCILLORS from across Cheshire West and Chester’s political divide have approved a move to lobby government for more coronavirus support.

The motion, which was proposed by Labour leader Cllr Louise Gittins and seconded by Conservative group chief Cllr Maragret Parker, received widespread support at this week’s CWAC full council meeting.

Unveiling the plans at the meeting, Cllr Gittins said: “This council was plunged into a pandemic in March. I am so proud with how we rose to that challenge.

“Currently we sit in tier 2 restrictions but we are all in this together so we need to be mindful that the level of burden is not being shared evenly.

“I am pleased that the Chancellor has made an announcement for tier 2 [support] and I am glad they have listened.

“There cannot be a repeat of what we have seen in Greater Manchester, and that is why I am pleased that we have cross party support [for this motion].”

Alongside lobbying the Ministry for Housing, Communities, and Local Government for ‘package of support’ for Cheshire West, the document also endorses the Local Government Association’s campaign for £10 billion extra funding for councils in this year’s financial settlement.

Additionally, it seeks to: “Develop and agree a ‘recovery and renewal plan’ for our borough based on the six themes from the council plan, [and] work collaboratively to bridge political divides and nurture partnerships beyond sub-regional and national borders (like the Mersey-Dee alliance), to secure a growth deal for our region that truly levels up the north and prepares us for post-Brexit Britain.”

Despite the support for the move, some councillors believed more thanks should be given to the central government for its support during the pandemic.

One such member was Conservative Handbridge Park representative Neil Sullivan, who said: “The government within a few months of being elected have acted boldly and generously with their support.

“Cheshire West has nearly all of its extra costs recouped by Rishi Sunak.”

Later in the meeting, it was revealed that CWAC is facing an immediate funding shortfall of £5 million, owing to the coronavirus crisis.