Town centre gaming plan withdrawn

AN empty shop in Warrington town centre will not become an “adult gaming centre.”
The borough council’s planning committee has approved a ”flexible” use for the shop, which is next door to Holy Trinity Church, in Sankey Street.
But the applicant withdrew part of his application, relating to the gaming centre, after a number of local people had lodged objections.
The shop could now become a restaurant or café or a financial or professional services offices.
The “flexible” approval means the property could be used for either, without the need for a further planning application.
Nearby residents expressed concern that the shop could become a betting shop or payday loans office and pointed out that Holy Trinity Church attracted a number of vulnerable people.
But the committee decided there were no planning grounds for refusing the application.
No external alterations to the shop are proposed, although it is likely a further application could be made for this purpose.