Pre-election political row in Lillington over regeneration project plans

Labour party members had made several claims about the stance and actions of Liberal Democrat councillors in regard to the planned project which were dismissed by Liberal Democrat group leader Alan Boad and his fellow members as “Labour lies”.

In a letter posted through Lillington residents’ doors before voting took place, Cllr Boad accused his opponents of spreading “downright lies, misinformation and innuendo” about the possible project which would be overseen by the district council.

He responded to claims that the Liberal Democrats would allow the demolition of Lillington Youth Centre, accept 20 per cent social housing to be built on the earmarked Red House Farm site and allow Lillington School to be knocked down.

Cllr Boad said; “Clearly the Labour Party is way out of touch and badly advised to get things so wrong. They didn’t even know there had been a presentation at a community forum in March.

“We’ve already arranged for a full discussion of the options at the next community forum at Lillington Primary School on June 25.

“The council has set aside up to £20,000 for full public consultation. However if the planning inspector doesn’t allow building on the Green Belt at Red House Farm any potential regeneration scheme would have to be reduced significantly or dropped.”

Cllr Boad retained his Crown ward seat on the district council with 1.074 votes but Labour candidate Stef Parkins was voted in to the other seat with 935 votes.

The Warwick district Labour Group’s prospective leader John Barrott said: “We are not against the regeneration but we want what is best for residents. In fairness to our candidates they were reacting to the views of residents whom they had spoken to during their campaign who were worried about the things which had gone on for the proposals to be at the stage they are.”

Sarah Boad and Thomas Kenyon-Brown won the two Crown ward seats on the town council for the Lib Dems.