Call for transparency as Woolston Hub campaigners plan peaceful protest at town hall

SAVE Woolston Hub campaigners are calling for action and transparency from Warrington Borough Council ahead of a peaceful protest at the Town Hall on Monday.

The Save Woolston Hub campaign is urging the Borough Council to act on its own unanimously passed Full Council motion and to address growing concerns about the transparency of the Woolston Hub consultation.
In December 2025, all councillors voted in favour of a motion committing the Council to:
Explore and publish all realistic options for repairing, reusing or reopening the Hub, and ensure continued access to library, fitness and community space, either on site or nearby.
Campaigners say that commitment has yet to be reflected in practice.
They say evidence is now in the public domain indicates that:

Large parts of the Hub could be reopened safely, including the gym, library and studio spaces.
Legionella issues appear localised and manageable, and do not in themselves justify full closure.
Quoted repair and access costs have not been supported by recent condition surveys.
No comprehensive building condition survey has been undertaken for many years, contrary to good estate management practice.
Continued closure disproportionately affects older people, disabled residents, children and those without transport.
Usage data shows Woolston Hub is a borough-wide asset, not a local luxury.

The campaign is also questioning whether the consultation can be considered fully transparent when key technical reports, cost breakdowns and alternative options have not been published, despite the Council’s commitment to openness. Residents are engaging with the consultation in good faith and are asking for the same in return: clear evidence, lawful process and visible action on the motion already agreed by Council.
A peaceful protest will take place at Warrington Town Hall on Monday 12 January at 4.30pm, calling for the reopening of safe areas or full publication of the information being used to justify continued closure.

CAMPAIGN STATEMENT
Laura Bather, Co-Chair of Save Woolston Hub said: “The Council has already agreed—unanimously—that all realistic options for Woolston Hub must be explored and published.
“If parts of the building are safe, they should be open.
“If they are not, the evidence should be made public.
“Consultation requires transparency.
“Commitments made in Council must be delivered in practice.
“Woolston Hub supports health, independence, learning and community life. Keeping it closed without clear justification harms the very people local government exists to serve.
“That is why we will continue to be visible, constructive and determined.”
A Warrington Borough Council spokesperson said: “We believe that the consultation is fair and lawful and it will remain open for responses until 16 January.”

📍 Peaceful protest
🗓 Monday 12 January
⏰ 4.30pm
📍 Warrington Town Hall