BRIAN Simpson has labelled Warrington Market as a relic of the 1960s' in an attack on development in the town.

The MEP believes Warrington's commercial centre appears to be shifting northwards' and says he is disappointed that plans for a cinema complex at Time Square were rejected.

In a letter to the Warrington Guardian, the Labour man says the market needs either relocation or a massive refurbishment, as well as an effort to bring in extra stallholders - in line with plans already adopted in Wigan, Bury, Widnes and Bolton.

He describes the decline of Bridge Street as alarming' and says new investment needs to be attracted, suggesting a form of continental market or food fair as seen in Southport or a Christmas market similar to that in Manchester to attract people to the area.

He added: "The expansion of Marks and Spencer at Westbrook is another challenge to the town centre, although the crazy traffic lights by Asda may help, as people grind to a halt on Cromwell Avenue.

"The issue of traffic congestion needs to be sorted out, as at the moment this is a disincentive to visit the town centre, and some effort has to be made to market Warrington better.

"The present efforts to get people to visit the town centre are at best poor and at worst, non-existent.

"I am more than willing to assist in any way possible to help re-generate my home town, but we also need to see a bit more innovative thinking from the council, a bit more help from the Government and a willingness of the people of Warrington to accept change and support our town centre." ndocking@guardiangrp.co.uk