CAMPAIGNERS are planning a second protest rally outside Warrington Town Hall to demonstrate continued public support for Woolston Neighbourhood Hub.
Campaigners, who have already presented a petition signed by nearly 3,000 people to the council, say this latest protest next Wednesday, February 18, at 4:30 pm will send a clear message: community concern has not faded, and residents will continue to demand transparency, evidence and accountability until proper answers are provided.
A spokesperson for Save Woolston Hub said: “Residents are turning out yet again because the issues have not been resolved. The strength of feeling in Woolston has not gone away — and neither has the need for evidence-based decision-making.”
Ongoing Concerns include:
1️⃣ Claims of “Integrated” Air and Water Risk
In correspondence dated 13 January 2026, Warrington Borough Council Deputy Leader Cllr Jean Flaherty stated that the Air Handling Units and water systems operate as a “single, integrated network” and that Legionella bacteria remain present within this shared system.
Campaigners state that standard Air Handling Units use sealed heating coils, meaning water and airflow are separate unless there is a system failure. They also note that no air ducts or ventilation systems were tested for Legionella.
The group is requesting publication of any competent-person assessment supporting claims of airborne risk within dry-side areas such as the library.
2️⃣ Structural Risk Statements Without Published Survey Evidence
Public statements referenced “structural risks, including a ceiling at risk of collapse.”
However, previous correspondence indicated that full technical structural surveys had not been commissioned.
Campaigners are calling for independent, professionally verified structural surveys to establish the true condition of the building before permanent decisions are taken.
3️⃣ Remediation Strategy and Asset Management
Documents reviewed by the campaign group indicate chemical dosing of the water system was undertaken despite sludge being present in tanks. Health and Safety Executive guidance advises cleaning before chemical treatment.
Campaigners have also raised concerns that prolonged closure without a published vacant-premises management plan could contribute to avoidable deterioration.
What Residents Are Demanding
The campaign is making the following clear and reasonable requests:
Partial reopening of dry-side facilities if they are demonstrably safe.
If they are not safe, publication of clear, competent-person evidence explaining precisely why.
Full independent technical surveys covering structure and mechanical systems.
Transparent, itemised and evidenced costings, based on actual survey data rather than estimates.
A compliant vacant-building management plan to prevent further deterioration while decisions are pending.
The spokesperson added: “If part of the building is safe, reopen it. If it is not safe, show the evidence. But do not expect residents to accept permanent closure without proper surveys and transparent costs.”
Protest Details
📍 Warrington Town Hall
📅 18 February
⏰ 4:30pm
Campaigners say residents will continue to show up for as long as necessary to ensure full democratic scrutiny before any final decision on the Hub’s future.
Campaigners turned out in force to Save Woolston Hub
