LIVEWIRE’S plan to take over Funky Dory Shoes in Golden Square were put on hold by councillors at a planning meeting last night, Wednesday.

Proposals were submitted to change the use of the 229 foot unit so it could become home to a library, computer zone, box office, merchandise shop and space for film screenings.

But councillors at a meeting of the development control committee said the details of the application were too vague, with no information about opening hours or specifics about how the space will be used.

Cllr Judith Wheeler (Appleton- LD) stepped out of her role on the planning committee to speak against the plans.

She said: “I have publicly stated that I’m opposed to moving the central library into a premises in Golden Square.

“We have been told it would be a severely reduced book stock but there’s no indication of how many books this would hold.

 “It would be on my conscience, I could not put my name to the death certificate of Warrington Library. Once we move the central library there’s no going back.”

The plans would allow the retail unit to be used for other activities for a period of 10 years, but Cllr Wheeler said there is no guarantee that it could continue as a library space after those 10 years are up.

Cllr Bob Barr (Lymm North and Thelwall – LD) argued the committee would need more details before making a decision.

He said: “I don’t see how we can have realistic space for all those uses in that space. We never get applications that are as vague as that.”

Cllrs Judith Wheeler, Joan Grime and Jean Flaherty stepped out of the voting and the application was deferred with a majority of four votes to one.

LiveWire is planning to turn the central library on Museum Street into a heritage centre and move some library services into Golden Square, where they say it will be easier for residents to access them.