PRESS RELEASE

Date:              21 July 2010

COUNCIL PLANS WIDER CONSULTATION ON WALTON 

Council bosses are planning an even more extensive consultation on the future of Walton Hall and Gardens. This follows public concern about proposals for the Estate.

Executive Board member for Planning, Regeneration and Housing, Cllr Bob Barr said, “At its meeting in June the Council’s Executive Board agreed to a widespread and thorough consultation with the public on a plan for the Estate.  This involved a hotel in the Hall and improvements to all the facilities and the gardens.  It would bring in outside money, create up to 200 jobs and reverse a lack of investment over many years.  Walton is a ‘jewel in the crown’ but has become somewhat tarnished and lack of investment could harm people’s enjoyment of the Estate for current and future generations.

But we have listened to what residents and campaigners have been saying.  We welcome this democratic challenge and reflected on how we should take account of the strength of public feeling.  There are concerns about whether or not we should have a luxury hotel in the grounds and the nature of the long lease being put forward.  People are worried about possible limitations on public access to the grounds and what might happen to this in the future despite safeguards in any legal agreement.  It is vital that the consultation process addresses all these concerns fully.

Executive Board member for Environment and Transport, Cllr Alan Litton added, “A more fundamental concern is that only one scheme had been taken forward for consideration.  There is strong public support for considering other options that would allow us to take greater account of what the people of Warrington want for Walton.  It is absolutely essential that any proposals must have the support of the citizens of Warrington.  While no decisions have been taken about the future, there is a perception that the consultation would have no influence on an outcome which had already been decided.  This is totally wrong but the perception is damaging.

We propose to set up an Advisory Group containing a range of interested parties.  This Group would explore alternative options for regenerating and managing the estate on a sustainable basis.  These options will then become the basis for the consultation exercise in which we hope as many people as possible will get involved.” Ends…