IT has not just been a case of changing faces at Warrington Borough Council of late, but musical chairs as well.

Clearly, the chairs in the historic council chamber aren't musical, but they certainly have changed and eyebrows have been raised in some quarters.

The old leather bound chairs have been replaced with new DIY-style seats for both councillors and members of the public to sit in.

The change around follows a refit of the main council chamber last summer, which led to a debate over where the paintings of former mayors should be hung.

Most of them are now back in the meeting room.

A council source said: "This is hardly befitting of a council chamber. This is the most prestigious room in the Town Hall,

which dates back many years.

"What sort of impression is created when you walk in and there are chairs from what looks like the cheapest DIY store in town?

"The old chairs did need revamping but surely the council could afford something more in keeping.

"The portraits of some of the mayors are now back on the walls but it is a shame the rest of the decor doesn't match up."

The chairs have been changed to something more lightweight because other groups often use the council chamber during the day.

As a result, the furniture within the room often has to be moved to meet different function's requirements and the council believes that as the new chairs are lighter, they are more manageable.

hcartwright@guardiangrp.co.uk