Guardian Review: 7th November

Deadlock over swing bridges renovation continues and parking charges to increase across Warrington this December

It’s a Thursday so time to catch up with Gareth Dunning, Deputy Editor of the Warrington Gurardian.

The front page this week highlights the ongoing issues with the renovations of Warrington’s three swing bridges.

The bridges are in dire need of refurbishments and repairs, but in February 2023 a row broke out between Warrington Borough Council and Peel Ports.

Peel Ports owns the bridges – which are situated on Chester Road, London Road and Knutsford Road but are looking to the Council – and ultimately us, the taxpayers – to cover the mitigation costs including bus transport and compensation to businesses.

The issue was mentioned at the full council meeting in Warrington last Monday. Liberal Democrat Cllr Ian Marks – a former council leader – put forward a question to council leader Cllr Hans Mundry, Labour, about the swing bridges.

In response, Cllr Mundry described negotiations on the issue with Peel Ports as ‘extremely difficult’.

You can read the full story in this weeks paper.

A bright future for the Cockhedge Centre

The redevelopment of Warrington’s Cockhedge Centre continues – and the future is looking bright with new tenants moving in and more new units becoming available.

Warrington Borough Parking Charges

In other news, Warrington Borough Council have proposed that parking charges across the borough will increase from December.

The off road parking sites are at The Forge in Stockton Heath, Winwick Street, Town Hall, Town Hill and Davies Way, Henry Street and Pepper Street, with the latter three in Lymm.

Charges will also increase at Time Square multi-storey, Time Square surface level, Birchwood railway station and Warrington West railway station.

All representations, both in support or objecting to the proposals, must be in writing with full contact details, by email to TROrepresentations@warrington.gov.uk

They can also be made by post to: Legal Services, East Annexe, Town Hall, Sankey Street, Warrington, WA1 1UH

These must be in by November 14, and all objections must specify the grounds on which they are made.