THE leader of the St Helens Conservatives group has set out the party's agenda ahead of next week's local elections.

The Conservatives currently occupy three town hall seats in St Helens, all from the Rainford ward.

Cllr Rob Reynolds, who was due for re-election this year, is stepping down with John Case standing as the Tory candidate in Rainford in next week's vote.

Cllr Allan Jones, leader of the Tory group said the party will act upon the wishes of residents.

"What we are offering the people of St Helens in this election is a willingness to listen to the people and act upon their wishes," he said to the Star.

"A willingness to work with other opposition parties to get rid of this Labour council who waste people's money, examples being Church Square and Chalon Way."

Cllr Allan Jones

Cllr Allan Jones

Cllr Jones added: "We will always defend the green belt wherever possible and promote housebuilding on brownfield sites.

"We voted against the rise in council tax and against the precept for a city regional mayor."

READ > All candidates standing in May's local elections in St Helens

Cllr Jones says that, while the party has not been able to do campaign on the doorstep this year due to the pandemic, they have been distributing leaflets and telephoning residents.

Cllr Jones said: "We have a fine selection of candidates and, knowing that many residents are fed up of being taken for granted by Labour, we suggest the way forward for the borough is a complete change."

Cllr Rob Reynolds will not stand in this years election

Cllr Rob Reynolds will not stand in this year's election

At the election on Thursday, May 6, there will be 17 contested seats overall across the 16 wards of the borough.

A total of 48 councillors make up St Helens Council, three each for the 16 areas of the borough, known as wards.

However, two seats are vacant – one in the Windle ward and also one in Earlestown, which will see two councillors elected next week.

Therefore, currently, a total of 46 councillors make up St Helens Council – 34 Labour; four Liberal Democrats; three Conservatives; three independents and two Greens.

The elections, which were delayed for 12 months due to the coronavirus pandemic, will be the last to be held under the current 'thirds' system.

Next year will see all-out elections held in St Helens, in which every town hall seat will be up for grabs.