THE Labour candidate for Weaver Vale has backed Ed Miliband's calls for 'power and prosperity' to be spread across England's regions.

The Labour leader said if his party are successful in next year's General Election 'devolution will be at the heart of his Government' including giving city and county regions more power over their public transport networks so they are able to set the right bus routes and have fairer fares.

Labour Parliamentary candidate for Weaver Vale Julia Tickridge said: “I warmly welcome Ed Miliband’s announcement to spread power and prosperity across the English regions so that everyone can benefit from the economic recovery - not just a wealthy few.

"I particularly welcome the proposals on public transport networks for the communities of Weaver Vale where people depend so much on a public transport system to go about their everyday working lives. "Hardworking people are currently being let down by lack of proper integration of local transport networks, particularly local bus services, and ever increasing fares, all contributing to the cost-of-living crisis."