WARRINGTON Borough Council could attempt to 'embarrass' Peel Ports into 'accepting its corporate responsibility' by repainting the town's swing bridges.

In January, the company confirmed it had 'no plans' to fork out £500,000 to repaint any of the three sites in Warrington – despite repeated calls for action.

The town's swing bridges, which cross the Manchester Ship Canal, are situated on Chester Road, London Road and Knutsford Road.

The matter was debated at the full council meeting at the Town Hall on Monday, March 20.

A motion calling for council leader Cllr Terry O'Neill and chief executive Steven Broomhead to write to John Whittaker, Peel Group chairman, on the issue was carried.

The letter will request Mr Whittaker to 'support the town's ambitions' by ensuring that his company paints the bridges before the £107 million town centre regeneration is completed in 2019.

Cllr Mike Biggin (LD – Grappenhall) put forward the motion in the chamber.

He said: "Warrington has ambitions to be City of Culture.

"These are important gateways into our town – the appearance of them is very important.

"I think we are right to feel like a poor and neglected neighbour.

"But we have to maintain a co-operative relationship with Peel."

Cllr Ryan Bate (LD – Grappenhall), who seconded the motion, also called on the port operator to take action.

He added: "At the end of the day, perhaps, millions of people cross the swing bridges a year.

"We need to encourage Peel to accept its corporate responsibility."

Labour Penketh and Cuerdley councillor Linda Dirir asked the authority to 'send photos' to Mr Whittaker to let the businessman 'know what we are actually talking about'.

Cllr Hans Mundry, executive board member for highways, transportation and public realm, also voiced his views.

He said: "Maybe we could embarrass them into it.

"Painting the bridges will be great but getting a programme for them to be painted will be better."

At the start of the year Peel confirmed it has a routine maintenance and repair programme in place across all of its sites.

The firm said the programme 'prioritises the safe and secure operation' of its assets 'in the interests of the public and staff'.