TOWN centre management in Warrington has been cited by the government as a leading example to the North West's declining shopping centres.

Planning Minister Nick Raynsford this week singled out Warrington as an example of best practice, praising councillors for commissioning international artists to create artwork for its shopping streets.

In a new publication to promote town centre regeneration, Mr Raynsford said the North West had suffered under-investment, deteriorating environments and fear of crime, as well as pressure from out-of-town developments.

But he ranked Warrington alongside Liverpool's Albert Dock, Bolton's Festival Market Hall and Oldham's Spindles Shopping Centre as a beacon to other local authorites.

He added: "Warrington is among those which have developed strategies to tackle decay and create visions for their towns."

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