COUNCIL chiefs have admitted there is nothing they can do about an eye-opening mural that overlooks one of Warrington's busiest traffic islands.

Artist Anthony Turk painted a huge crying eye on the Crown Cars building, formally Fairclough Mill, on Old Liverpool Road. The artwork was a defiant gesture to the council who had previously vetoed his idea to create an underwater mural on the wall. Planners said a painting would distract drivers on the Sankey Green roundabout and Sankey Way.

But borough leaders have been forced to back down after admitting they would be setting a legal precedent by refusing permission on planning grounds.

John Earle, planning director, said the council's original decision had provoked a two fingered response but that no action could be taken.

He said: "I think it is time to close the door on this issue and take no action. The mural is actually classed under permitted development and we would be asking a government inspector to break new ground if we pursued it."

Some councillors expressed concern that by ignoring the issue it would encourage other people to follow the same path.

"If it does happen again, we would need to seek a legal opinion. But not many buildings in Warrington lend themselves to this sort of painting," said Mr Earle.

The council's legal adviser John Holmes said he had already done some research. He said: "I have been in touch with three or four local authorities, including Trafford where I've noticed they have a similar amount of work, and none had ever come across the question. I talked to planning groups and even contacted the television but to no avail."

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