Borough leaders defend American artist decision (From Warrington Guardian)

Borough leaders defend American artist decision

COUNCIL leaders have defended their decision to waive financial regulations when employing an American artist to redevelop part of Warrington town centre.

Borough bosses were questioned about the worries surrounding the payment to Howard Ben Tre of more than £750,000 to design a new arts quarter.

As reported in the GUARDIAN, the council was unable to get insurance to safeguard the money.

Opposition councillors accused the ruling Labour group of "gambling with public money".

And on Monday night, Lib Dem leader Clr Barbara Mawer reiterated her worries. "I'm still concerned at the waiving of financial regulations. I'm not comforted by the reassurances that were given by outside consultants that we are doing the right thing, because we as councillors are ultimately responsible for spending public money. We would be left holding the baby if this went pear shaped."

Deputy council leader Mike Hannon replied: "In fairness, we weren't aware of some of the detailed regulations there were before this council because we were employing someone from the USA. But I don't think anyone can be held at fault there.

"There were very detailed discussions to make sure everything could be protected. We did have to waive financial regulations because we were so far down the road it was difficult to do any backtracking. That would have been very expensive. We would have lost the rate payers £200 to £300,000 which would have been irresponsible."

Mr Ben Tre will be paid in installments for the scheme, which comprises of a series of glass, bronze and stone walkways.

Clr Hannon also hit out at the "mole" who had leaked documents about the deal to the GUARDIAN, saying it could have damaged the whole process and been "very embarrassing" for all concerned.

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