CHESHIRE East councillor Brian Silvester and former deputy leader of the council has joined the UK Independence Party.

The former Conservative councillor, who has served for 37 years, has made his decision because of his belief it is ‘time for fresh start’ in the area.

Clr Silvester, who represents the Willaston and Rope Ward, has been formally welcomed to UKIP by Cheshire chair Louise Bours.

“Brian's decision to join UKIP re-affirms the problems faced by the other three main parties,” said Bours, who is a Congleton town councillor.

“UKIP are the opposition in Britain today, and councillors are crossing over to us because in our party they are free to serve the people within their communities rather than ‘toeing the party line’.

“In the past week I have welcomed district and borough councillors from Cumbria and Lancashire, it is wonderful to now welcome a councillor from Cheshire too.”

Clr Silvester added: “I am joining UKIP because I think it is time for a fresh start in Cheshire East with a new party.

“Since the new council was formed in 2009 it has reeled from one disaster to another. The current Conservative leadership of the council is treating local electors with contempt.

“They believe that they will get re-elected no matter how many times they ignore the concerns of local residents or damage their interests.

“UKIP are now a recognised powerful alternative to the LibLabCon parties. UKIP have shown nationally they can pick up votes from all the three old parties and also win votes from those who given up on politics because the other three main parties are now all the same.

“In 2015 UKIP across Cheshire East will be a viable alternative that voters can unite behind to throw out those councillors who have let them down so badly.”

“I believe that UKIP will become a major force on the Cheshire East Council after the 2015 elections. I would urge members of the other groups on the council to consider joining the UKIP group and be part of the fresh start for Cheshire East.”