IN common with many Warringtonians I have been greatly saddened to see the demise of Palmyra Square as a prosperous and thriving area of the town. However the council's plan to develop a cultural quarter for Warrington in the vicinity of the square must surely help its economic and cultural regeneration.

I understand there are plans to bring high quality arts and entertainment events to the town by offering carefully renovated, state of the art, facilities together with excellent restaurant and cafe bars in the area around the square.

Warrington is an extremely successful town in terms of jobs, edcuation and economic investment. Yet many of its inhabitants currently travel to neighbouring towns for cultural pursuits and entertainment, whilst areas of the town like Palmyra Square look dilapidated. The new quarter will ensure Warrington at last develops the cultural heart it needs and the fact that its location is close to the square can only enliven and enhance that area.

It would be a sad and retograde step if the vision behind the cultural quarter were to be lost because local businesses and the council couldn't reach an agreement over access and car parking. Please do not let such parochial concerns prevent us from taking Warrington forward in this exciting way, to place it firmly on the cultural map of the north west region where it richly deserves to be!

HILARY TUCKER

Principal/Chief Executive

Warrington Collegiate Institute

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