PLANNING chiefs at Warrington have approved the installation of steel gates to prevent rough sleepers from using emergency exits at the Pyramid Arts Centre.
This follows talks between the arts centre, the borough council, and the police over safety hazards caused by discarded bedding and other belongings left by the rough sleepers.
Similar gates and fencing will be installed at the rear of where sheltered areas are also being used by homeless people.
The Pyramid – formerly a court building – dates from 1897 and is a Grade 2 Listed building.
Although it is accepted the gates will have some impact on the building, the council’s conservation officer says the development is acceptable and will maintain the historic and architectural significance of the building
The gates will be fitted with push pads to enable them to be opened from the inside in the event of an emergency. But they will be fitted with protective shrouds to prevent unauthorised use from the street side in Winmarleigh Street.
New emergency lighting and signage have also been approved.
Planners were told bedding and other belongings were frequently discarded in the entrances and could cause a safety hazard in the event of an emergency.
