COUNCIL leader Cllr Russ Bowden has launched a stinging attack on Peel Holdings after labelling it as an ‘incredibly difficult’ company to deal with.

Residents got the chance to press Cllr Bowden (LAB – Birchwood) on a range of issues during the first leader’s forum at Whitecross Community Centre last Tuesday.

Following concerns over Peel’s plans for the borough, he told residents in attendance that the authority’s ‘motivation’ for spending taxpayers’ money ‘is not to help out’ the firm.

“Peel Holdings are an incredibly difficult company to deal with,” added Cllr Bowden.

“If you live in the south of Warrington and have to cross any of those bridges you know what the appearance is.

“It is an incredibly wealthy company that actually doesn’t do a lot to put its hand in its pockets for Warrington.”

Cllr Bob Barr, leader of the town’s Liberal Democrats, has welcomed the comments.

He said: “It is refreshing to have a council leader who is prepared to take a robust line with Peel Holdings.

“It would have been nice to have had some support when the Liberal Democrats complained about the behaviour of the company and collected thousands of signatures on petitions to ask them to paint and maintain the swing bridges, which were answered with empty promises.

“Instead, the Labour administration relied on appeasement but found that Peel do what they want to do.

“There is a potential win-win future, if Peel were prepared to see it.

“But, sadly, their company culture appears to remain selfish and confrontational.”

The town’s three swing bridges – which cross the Manchester Ship Canal – are situated on Chester Road, London Road and Knutsford Road.

READ > Council paying Peel Ports compensation to build £19.8m crossing

The port operator has previously confirmed it would cost around £500,000 to repaint each structure.

In October, Peel said it remains focused on addressing concerns raised by the community and pointed to its commitment to carry out restorative works across the swing bridges and Warburton Toll Bridge.

However, it added that the toll bridge was its initial priority.

Peel did not wish to comment.