COUNCIL leader Cllr Russ Bowden says revitalising Bridge Street is the logical next step in the regeneration of Warrington town centre.

The new £11 million Warrington Market opened last Monday. It is the latest addition to the Labour-run council’s £142.5 million Time Square regeneration scheme which is nearing completion.

Cllr Bowden says he hopes Time Square will have a major impact on the borough and ‘pull’ other parts of the town centre, particularly Bridge Street, up to a higher standard.

“I hope that other property owners will see what we have delivered with Time Square and realise that Warrington has a great deal to offer,” he said.

“Revitalising Bridge Street is a logical next step in the regeneration of our town centre.”

Meanwhile, Conservative Warrington South MP Andy Carter hailed news that Warrington will be given £500,000 as part of the Government’s Towns Fund.

The announcement is part of a wider economic package to accelerate infrastructure projects, aiming to fuel jobs and the country’s economic recovery following coronavirus.

The £500,000 can be spent on projects such as improvements to parks, high streets and transport as part of the Tory Government’s plans to ‘level up’ places across the country.

And schools including Evelyn Street Primary School and Alderman Bolton Community Primary School are set to benefit from infrastructure funding.

Mr Carter said: “I am absolutely delighted that Warrington will receive at least £500,000 from the Stronger Towns Fund this year – ahead of schedule – enabling us to accelerate plans that will transform our area and bring much-needed investment and business into the town at a crucial time.

“Schools are also a critical part of our communities, and as we exit the lockdown, we need to focus on getting children back learning.

“A big part of this is ensuring that schools like Evelyn Street and Alderman Bolton Primary, who will benefit from funding, have the best facilities possible and the children and teachers feel safe.”

Cllr Bowden has responded to Mr Carter’s comments over the £500,000 Towns Fund announcement.

He said: “He (Andy Carter) has just become a cheerleader for the Government at the moment.

“It doesn’t seem to be about the facts and details that matter to Warrington – simply trumpeting whatever the Government says.

“You look at what the Towns Fund was promising for the 100 towns, up to £25 million each, and here we are being handed £500,000.

“We will see what happens in time, how the funding can be used and what strings come attached to it. As a place, Warrington is very much on the up.

“We have got a Business Improvement District and there is a lot of focus on the town centre.

“You look at Time Square, this is going to have a really positive impact on retail and leisure here in the town centre.”