COUNCIL chiefs at Warrington have agreed to consult the public on more than a dozen sites across the borough which had been identified as surplus to requirements and could be sold off.
But deputy leader of the council Mike Hannon (pictured) has given an assurance that some of the sites are suitable for community asset transfers – meaning they could be handed over to local voluntary groups to run on behalf of the community for up to 30 years.
These include the Lymm Youth Club building and the former youth base in Phipps Lane, Burtonwood.
Among prominent buildings suggested as being suitable to sell off are Bank House, in Sankey Street, offices at 86, Sankey Street and Bewsey Old School.
Estimated value of the property is put at £2.5 million – but Cllr Hannon stressed that at present the council is only seeking the views of the public.
Other building identified by officers are the former community centre site, Knutsford Road, Latchford; former playing fields, Irwell Road, Latchford; Houghton Hall, Greenwood Crescent, Orford; various fishing sites; former Oliver Plunkett playing fields, Admirals Road, Birchwood; commercial land off Winwick Road, Warrington; grazing land next to Cherry Tree Primary School, Lymm.
Over the last five years, sales of surplus sites across Warrington have raised £11.1 million for the council and also reduced revenue costs by about £250,000-a-year.
The money has contributed directly to financing projects such as Orford Park, Contact Warrington and Woolston Neighbourhood Hub.
These involve the council handing over the sites to community groups competent to run a community service for 30 years for a peppercorn rent..
Cllr Hannon said forecasting future values of property is difficult in the current market.
But council property assets sold at auction over the last four years have sold well and achieved good value.
Consultation will include local councillors, parish councils, neighbourhood boards, occupiers, tenants and neighbours.
After consultation, the council’s executive board will be provided with a report and recommendations on the future of the property
Council to consult on land sell-offs
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Gary Skentelbery
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.
4 Comments
Surely, that £11 million would have been better used paying off some of the council’s massive debt?
we all know what consultation means to Cllr M Hannon just look at the council staff and unions – it’s just a smoke screen – after the sale what are you going to put the money towards????
That is an interesting point, it is likely that the borrowings are long term loans, with penalties for early redemption. But you are right, where possible debt levels should be reduced, afterall the economies of the UK and many other countries are in such a mess because of debt crisis, as indeed are many individuals.
Maybe instead of using the word consultation, it might be better so say that a conversation will take place with a few people in order to get a feeling of opinion. I rather think people obsess over consultations, given that much of our lives are influenced by things where there is no consultation as such. I tend to be of the opinion that I elect folk to make certain decisions on my behalf, and if I feel that overall they haven’t made the best decisions, then I won’t be voting for them again.