RESIDENTS of Middlewich have been called to get involved in their towns local politics.

Cheshire Independent Network will be staging a conference for people who would like to be involved in council work but don’t want to join a political party.

Clr Brendan Murphy, Cheshire East Independent Leader, said: “We need people who will make decisions on merit, not on party loyalty, people who believe in transparency and accountability, not secrecy and buck passing, and people who will take responsibility for the consequences of their decisions.”

“We are not against political parties as such but the problem is party members have been swallowed by the party machines.

“We need independent thinking people to challenge these ‘robots’ and rattle their cages.”

The conference will take place this Saturday, April 12, at the Wych Centre on Civic Way, Middlewich, and will run from 9.30am to 3.30pm.

Conference speakers will explain what is involved for people who want to stand as candidates as well as the skills needed and the time commitment.