A SENIOR councillor has issued a ‘word of warning’ to the Government following an alarming increase in the number of missing children in Warrington.

Figures were discussed by the Labour-run council’s cabinet on Monday as Cllr Hitesh Patel, portfolio holder for transformation, delivered the performance report for quarter two in 2019-20.

It highlighted the number of missing children in Warrington reported to Cheshire Police.

A total of 132 youngsters in the town were reported missing in quarter one of 2019-20, with the number rising to 147 in quarter two.

In comparison, 102 were reported missing in quarter one last year and 125 in quarter two.

Cllr Patel admitted it is an area where the town is ‘struggling’ but said the authority is still trying to find out what the prime causes are.

He added: “But I suppose with my political hat on and looking at issues affecting the town, I can’t help but think just like we are seeing the rise of foodbanks being linked to austerity, there is a huge body of evidence now which shows, actually, it is also causing poverty and it’s also causing families to struggle – and sometimes when families struggle, children get left behind.”

The Labour politician told members he was issuing a ‘word of warning’ to the Government to put them on alert that ‘we need to do more’ to support families and children.

The performance report was approved by the cabinet.

During his visit to Warrington on Tuesday, Tory Robert Jenrick, secretary of state for housing, communities and local government, said the Government is now able to invest more into public services and local government following ‘difficult decisions’ in 2010.

Read more of his comments during his visit here.