Town's street art to cost almost £1m

CONTROVERSIAL artworks set to grace the town centre have come under fire from a councillor who claims they will cost almost £1 million.

Lib Dem Brian Axcell questioned members of the full council on Monday night about the 'street art' which has been commissioned from American artist Howard Ben-Tre.

It is claimed that the cost was originally put at £685,000 when it was commissioned but a total of £760,000 was paid to the artist in February.

Clr Mike Hannon, chairman of the town centre panel, admitted that due to deteriorating exchange rates the artist had already received fees of £791,000, which was and visits between Warrington and America will cost £20,000.

Speaking after the meeting Mr Axcell said: "The figures given by the borough council came to £925,000 and of that just over £94,000 alone is for bringing the art work from America, such as the crating up and shiping over.

"This is a very large sum of money."

He said he was concerned that the money was coming from other council departments.

He said: "I think we should not have embarked on it but we have to make the best of it now.

"The cost is very significant. The transportation cost is a large sum of money which would have been avoided if we had chosen a local artist."

But Clr Hannon said Clr Axcell was amongst those who originally agreed to the plans.

He said: "We have kept well within the budget. I am adamant about that."

The art work should arrive in Warrington at the end of May or the beginning of June.