Thursday 4th December 2025

Paul Smith and Gareth Dunning from the Warrington Guardian had a cracking chat on Mix 56 this week – you can hear the full audio version right here to catch the real radio buzz!

Council Tax Squeeze Hits Home

Paul kicked things off with the big one: Warrington Council’s eyeing a whopping 10% council tax hike after years of the usual 5% rises.

“Councils go cap in hand to government when they’re struggling,” Gareth explained, noting a grim £90 million black hole looming over four years. “You’ll pay more but get fewer services when that bill drops through your door.”

Neighbours like Halton and Wirral have already got extra government cash to stay afloat – Warrington’s cabinet was voting on it Monday.

New Bosses Step In

“Busy inbox for the new chief execs,” Paul noted, with Sarah Smith heading to Warrington from Knowsley Council (early 2026 start) and Andrew Donaldson taking Halton from the same spot.

Gareth called it a “merry-go-round in the public sector” – perfect timing with the money woes piling up.

Buses on a Roll

Bit of cheer: Warrington’s Own Buses scooped a hat-trick of national awards for sustainability, engineering excellence (shoutout Karl Hutchison), and top SME operator.

“Good times ahead with new bus lanes on Winwick Road,” Gareth said, boosted by cheap fares pulling in passengers.

Festive Fixes and Fun

Gareth’s tree arrives today – and he’s signed up St Rocco’s Hospice to collect it post-Christmas (second Saturday after, donation for recycling, no pine needles in the boot!).

Nostalgic gem in the paper: Mr Smiths building with glowing reindeer and Santa – “I remember it as a kid in the 80s,” Gareth grinned.

Knutsford market was massive, Grappenhall fair this weekend, Tatton Park’s Christmas trail buzzing, and panto magic at the Brindley with Eurovision’s Nicki French and CBBC’s Simon Grant in Cinderella.

Tune into the full audio on Mix 56 for Paul and Gareth’s lively back-and-forth – proper local radio gold!