Drinking venue may cause crime

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PLANS for a “drinking establishment” in Warrington town centre have been thrown out – because of its likely impact on crime and disorder.
The scheme involved CCTV surveillance cameras – but a Government-appointed inspector says this would not prevent disorder.
He says the scheme, involving the change-of-use of a disused warehouse at Rusgan House, in Barbauld Street would not harm the character or appearance of the Bridge Street Conservation Area.
But a drinking establishment would be harmful to public safety.
Borough council chiefs originally refused permission for the scheme. The applicant appealed – but the inspector has backed the council’s original decision.
The inspector says Barbauld Street has a run down appearance because of its role as a rear access to commercial units in Bridge Street and the derelict state of an adjacent building which already has permission for conversion for a variety of uses, including a drinking establishment.
He says Barbauld Street is a cul-de-sac, secluded and would be difficult to police.
There are no means, under planning legislation, to restrict clientele or ensure their departure was managed.
A council spokesman said the inspector has given over-riding weight to crime and disorder considerations – as did the council.
See: Opinion


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Experienced journalist for more than 40 years. Managing Director of magazine publishing group with three in-house titles and on-line daily newspaper for Warrington. Experienced writer, photographer, PR consultant and media expert having written for local, regional and national newspapers. Specialties: PR, media, social networking, photographer, networking, advertising, sales, media crisis management. Chair of Warrington Healthwatch Director Warrington Chamber of Commerce Patron Tim Parry Johnathan Ball Foundation for Peace. Trustee Warrington Disability Partnership. Former Chairman of Warrington Town FC.

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