People say 'it's time for change' as town fights 'losing battle' |
People say 'it's time for change' as town fights 'losing battle'
Residents in the struggling Merseyside town say years of decline have left them feeling abandoned as Labour faces a 'losing battle' in May elections
St Helens Town Centre
On a freezing afternoon in St Helens, people didn't hold back about a town centre the claim is in decline. Shuttered shops, empty streets and the drift of major retailers to out of town parks have left many residents feeling overlooked and angry.
Longstanding industries still anchor parts of the local economy, but closures and job losses have added to a sense that the town has been left behind. ECHO readers have been discussing the need for change.
Major regeneration is now underway, with the demolition of the old Hardshaw shopping centre paving the way for a new market hall, hotel, homes, shops and a large transport interchange. Council leaders said it marks a fresh start, but on the streets there is deep scepticism about whether the plans will genuinely bring people back or simply rearrange what remains.
That frustration is spilling into politics. A Labour stronghold for decades, St Helens now faces a serious challenge from Reform, with even lifelong Labour voters saying they want change after years of stagnation. As construction continues and election season approaches, many locals are asking whether regeneration and political renewal are finally arriving, or whether they have simply come too late.
Commenter Pingu74 said: “People voted for Brexit on promises that never materialised, and now some are talking about voting Reform. Ask people in Runcorn who backed Reform how their MP has actually improved their lives.
"I left because of a lack of job opportunities, and it is genuinely sad coming back to visit family. Many people no longer want to use town centres, choosing Liverpool or Manchester instead, while others prefer shopping online. This is not just a St Helens problem, it is happening to towns and villages across the country."
Pvchat replied: “The people of St Helens have deserted the high street to Liverpool city, just check the trains on Friday and Saturday. It’s not just investment, the communities around there need to use the high street, it’s the old Woolworths issue, you want it but don’t use it. It's time for change.”
Sean McGuigan added: “Labour in St Helens have become way too complacent, and they deserve to be kicked out of council leadership. I only hope this gives them the much needed opportunity to reorient themselves.”
Libertylogic pointed oit: “St Helens is not unlucky or forgotten. Its decline is the result of decades of one party rule with no consequences. Towns recover when businesses can survive, not through slogans or demolitions.
"Shops left because the economics failed, not the streets. When the same group runs a place for half a century, stagnation follows. Voters turn to change because faith in institutions has collapsed. Prosperity only comes from changing the rules, costs and incentives."
Dave Smith said: “It's been like this for years and like many other town centres they have been left behind for the retail park and online shopping. Free parking to boot. Farage isn't gonna make anything better as every policy he comes up with doesn't add up!”
Leon Graham replied: “Labour have been in control of Liverpool for decades. Anything bad that has ever happened has never been their fault. A budget issue due to the Tories in central government. Clearing up Tory mess so taxes must rise and so on. Labour relied heavily on being ‘for the working class’ and that Scousers will never vote Tory because of Thatcher.
"They finally have an alternative who can bring change and not Tory. Labour candidates will actually have to canvass and campaign for once. It is about time people who want to provide solutions get elected, and state what the problems are and fix them. Not point fingers and bleat constantly to cover their own failures.”
Shaun Smith said: “Labour has taken places like St Helens, Liverpool and Knowsley for granted for years. The same long standing figures keep standing, and when they step aside a relative often replaces them.
"Many feel Labour deserves to be voted out. Reform is unlikely to be the answer, but some will give them a chance out of frustration. The risk is higher council tax, cuts to social care and real damage to the most vulnerable. Give it a couple of years and those councils could be in serious trouble.”
Is this honest realism or unfair blame shifting? Has long term one party rule held St Helens back or are wider economic forces really to blame? Have your say in our comments section.