AS a grandson of four Widnes families (Wendt, Hewson, Glover and Stott) I have learned with some surprise that Halton is now part of a region called ‘Liverpool Metro’.

Widnesians along with other Halton voters will soon take part in electing a mayor for it.

Under this plan, Halton will be voting for its own council, for a police and crime commissioner and indirectly a fire authority chairman for Cheshire and for the Metro mayor.

Some will say they should be so lucky, others that this is anomalous and puts Halton voters in a unique position anywhere in England.

It seems that the Metro plan has its origins in an agreement between the former Chancellor George Osborne and the leaders of the councils which have created Liverpool Metro with a promise of funds being delegated to the region.

But even if Osborne’s word could be trusted, he is no longer Chancellor.

Is this agreement still valid and are its signatories aware that governments, particularly Conservative ones, make warm noises about devolution but rarely deliver?

It is understandable that Halton may wish to combine with other councils to enhance its strength, but the better course would be to join with Warrington to create a powerful mid-Mersey body able to punch its weight between the rival powers of Liverpool and Manchester.

Robin Wendt

Chester