FOLLOWING the Warrington Guardian confirming that the Risley Moss observation platform is due to be rebuilt, a row has erupted.

As reported exclusively in the Warrington Guardian this week, the observation platform at Risley Moss nature reserve is set to be rebuilt, six years after it was burnt to the ground by arsonists.

The rebuild has hit a number of obstacles along the way - some due to the proposed location of the platform being atop the remnants of a munitions factory, and others due to inactivity on the part of the council leading to a grant being pulled from the project.

Warrington Guardian: The tower stood for 40 years before it was burnt down by arsonistsThe tower stood for 40 years before it was burnt down by arsonists (Image: Newsquest)

However, Warrington Borough Council has confirmed that it is planning for a new platform to be constructed at the site by the end of 2023, which was a welcome announcement for many Birchwood and Risley residents - as Birchwood councillor Nigel Balding (Conservative) confirmed.

Since then, one of the council's executive members has launched a furious tirade against the Birchwood councillor, as well as against the council itself.

Cllr Tony Higgins (Labour) contacted the Warrington Guardian regarding the announcement and expressed that he was 'incensed' by the announcement.

He added that he believed the statement provided by Cllr Balding was 'inapporpriate,' given that Cllr Higgins - as cabinet member for leisure and community - is the lead councillor on this matter.

The Labour councillor explained that he was confused as to why a council spokesperson had even confirmed the plans, as they are yet to be finalised, signed off, and reviewed by wider councillors.

Cllr Higgins said: "The way that Cllr Balding has conducted himself - he didn't contact the person responsible, and he has never met with me or officers involved in the project.

"Cllr Balding never once has contacted me even by email about this."

Warrington Guardian: Cllr Balding said that Birchwood residents have waited too long for the new platform to be built, but he is relieved of the announcementCllr Balding said that Birchwood residents have waited too long for the new platform to be built, but he is relieved of the announcement (Image: Nigel Balding)

The Labour council cabinet member then explained that securing the funding for the project has not been easy, referencing the Covid-19 pandemic as an obstacle to progress, and expressing that the project will cost in the region of £500,000.

Cllr Higgins did not reference that the project lost £250,000 in funding due to Warrington Borough Council remaining inactive on the project - meaning that the platform will now cost more for the council taxpayer.

In 2019, it was announced that the council had pledged £275,000 in funding for the project, which would be combined with a £250,000 grant from WREN - the council had confirmed that work on the rebuild would commence late in 2019.

The £250,000 grant has since expired.

Responding to Cllr Higgins' remarks, Nigel Balding told the Warrington Guardian: "It’s a shame that Cllr Higgins felt that it was inappropriate to update residents with the latest information about a replacement viewing platform at Risley Moss.

"We may have to agree to differ on the importance of keeping our residents up to date on addressing local issues and the delivery of WBC pledges.”

Cllr Balding added: "It’s great news that WBC has now confirmed to the Warrington Guardian that the finalisation of design and construction details of a replacement viewing platform at Risley Moss is underway; this will reassure residents that something will finally be done.

"This is an important issue for Birchwood residents and the wider community."

Warrington Guardian: The tower was reduced to ash in the summer of 2017The tower was reduced to ash in the summer of 2017 (Image: Newsquest)

The Birchwood Conservative councillor called on Cllr Higgins to keep residents updated on the project, adding: "It would be really helpful if the Labour cabinet member for leisure and community could now update residents on when they will be consulted on the plans and the timeframe for construction.”

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