THE executive board member responsible for culture believes Warrington's failed 2021 City of Culture bid has 'kick-started' the borough's 'renewed cultural ambitions'.

Cllr Dan Price, executive board member for culture and partnerships, chaired the Warrington 2021 City of Culture board.

He has congratulated Coventry after it was announced that it will be the UK City of Culture in 2021.

He said: "There were some great bids for City of Culture on the shortlist including a fellow bidding town, Paisley.

"That said, Coventry was always one of the favourites, so it hasn't come as a total surprise that they've been crowned the winner.

"I would like to congratulate them on their success and wish them luck with their preparations in the build-up to the big year.

"The City of Culture bidding process is a brilliant way to bring people and ideas together.

"We are already seeing positive results from our bid and it's clear that the bid has kick-started our borough's renewed cultural ambitions.

"With many of the town centre developments well under way, we are at the start of an exciting journey.

"In only a couple of years' time our town centre will look transformed and the role of culture is to make sure it also feels transformed.

"There's a lot of hard work to be done and difficult decisions to be made but I've every confidence that Warrington will deliver."