'Save our library' banners to be removed as row breaks out between MP and former Wigan mayor

Ashton Library has been shut since July 2024 for repair work and services are temporarily being provided at Jubilee Park.

Concerned about the cost of repairs, ward councillors and Labour’s Makerfield MP Josh Simons launched a campaign to fight for the Carnegie library building to be reopened.

But questions were raised about red banners erected at the library, which bear the words “save our library” along with “Josh Simons MP and your local councillors”.

Michael Winstanley, a former Wigan councillor and mayor and now chairman of Wigan Conservative Federation, claimed the banners were “political”.

He wrote to Wigan Council’s chief executive asking if they had been authorised and whether they would be removed if they contravened its policy.

He told the Observer he received a reply informing him the banners would be removed.

Mr Simons has now posted on social media: “I have been asked to take down our Save Ashton Library campaign banners. Such a shame that opposition politicians are putting politics above our community. Ashton Library is more than a building. We should be working together to save it, not wasting time talking about where to put banners.”

Mr Winstanley said: “As an Ashton resident born and bred, I want to see Ashton Library saved.

"However my objection in my capacity as chairman of the local Conservative Party is that council buildings should not be used to promote a political campaign. Candidates and agents are constantly told that council property should not be used for political campaigns.

“All I want to ensure is that we have fairness and consistency. We can't have a two-tier system. We can't have a system that if you are an elected Labour politician it’s okay to have banners erected on council property and if you aren't it’s not allowed.”

He also hit out at Mr Simons for not inviting him to take part in the campaign to save the library.

Mr Winstanley said: “Josh Simons claims that this this is a cross-party campaign, but he has never approached the local Conservative Party at all regarding this. He seems to think that if you aren't elected then your voice doesn't count.

"I would be more than happy to work with him and all local councillors to find a solution to this problem and to make it truly a cross-party campaign."

Mr Simons told the Observer: "For me, this is simple: I’m the MP for Ashton and I am going to do everything in my power to save Ashton library.

“While this petty nonsense has been unfolding, I’ve been working hard and hope to have positive updates to share with residents shortly.

“The campaign I’ve built includes everyone elected by the people of Ashton and Bryn – independents and Labour. I’ll work with anyone to get things done for the people I represent.

“If Michael gets elected by the people of Ashton, he can help us get results – that’s what counts. Until then, it’d be helpful if he spent less time worrying about banners and more time getting involved to support the campaign.”

A spokesman for Wigan Council declined to comment on its policy regarding banners on public buildings.