Disappointing response to land sell-off

CONSULTATION into Warrington Borough Council’s plans to sell-off 13 sites worth more than £1 million has produced a “disappointing” response in some areas, according to Town Hall chiefs.
Overall there was a 20 per cent response rate to the council’s consultation exercise but in one area – Green Street – it was as low as 11 per cent.
Members of the council were included in the consultation but, overall, only 13 per cent responded.
In nine areas a total of 27 councillors were contacted and not one responded.
Residents had an 11 per cent response rate while 35 per cent of tenants and occupiers responded to the consultation.
The best response rate was from neighbourhood board co-ordinators with 62 per cent.
A report by Coun Bob Barr, (pictured) executive member for planning and regeneration, to be considered by the council’s economy and resources overview and scrutiny committee, says although the response rate for several of the sites was disappointing, overall it was considered the concept of consultation had been well received.
Two sites generated significant opposition to the sell-off – farm land at the rear of Warrington Road, Glazebury and a garage site in Kimberley Street, Whitecross.
Glazebury residents organised a public meeting, attended by about 60 people concerned about the future use of the land.
They were generally worried about the possibility of residential development and consequent impact on traffic, parking, the local school, etc. They were given assurances that if the land was sold it would be in its existing state – as farm land with the tenant farmer still in occupation.
At Whitecross there was opposition from Coun Bob Timmis and Coun Jo Crotty who feared increased parking problems and pointed out the site was almost 90 per cent occupied. There were also concerns from the nearby primary school.
The council’s executive board will decide whether to press ahead with selling the sites next month.
Other sites on the list are: Farrell Street/Howley Lane; land at rear of Warrington Rowing Club; former public convenience, Winwick Road; Manchester Road junction; land at Green Street; garage site at John Road/Thornley Road, Lymm; garage site at Central Avenue, Orford; 4 and 6 Central Avenue and 89 West Avenue, Orford; garage plot at Ellen Street, Bewsey; land at Kerfoot Street/Folly Lane; land at Currans Road, Orford.
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