PLANS for the town centre's 30th pub - previously the site of a medieval church - look set to become a reality.

Civic campaigners are aghast at the prospect of Warrington playing host to more licensed premises.

Leisure giants J D Wetherspoon are the latest players to join the pub scene after gaining planning permission for land which once housed the 13th century Warrington Friary. It will be the fifth bar - after the Postern Gate, Friars Court, FX and Tut and Shive - along Barbauld Street.

But town centre panel chairman, Clr Mike Hannon, feels there is "no reason to panic" at the latest development, providing a degree of balance can be maintained.

Continental-style cafe bars and public art ventures are the twin goals of those aiming to rejuvenate central Warrington.

Clr Hannon accepts discussions have to take place with all town tenants, including licensed premises, banks and building societies, to ensure the centre retains "the right mixture."

"There are some people who say there are too many pubs" said Clr Hannon, "but I do hear the contrary point of view that says there are not."

Perhaps only one or two more pubs could be accommodated in the centre, he continued. And Clr Hannon added: "They all have their role to play - as long as we don't tip the balance."

Warrington Civic Society told councillors another bar was not necessary as the area had reached "saturation point". Secretary Harry Wells, stressing the historical value of the land, said: "It would be a pity to lose the site." Such views were backed up by Warrington Archaelogical and Historical Society.

Both groups were worried about potential damage to the surviving remains of Warrington Friary.

The developers have pledged to employ archaeologists from Lancaster University to survey the site before building work commences, with any artefacts discovered donated to Warrington Museum.

Converted for the new archive on 13 March 2001. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.