THE councillor responsible for the town's culture believes the historic Cabinet Works site could have been saved if the council had greater 'purchase powers'.

The Cabinet Works and Garnett's water tower, on Barbauld Street, were demolished following concerns over public safety,

In December 2016, the council agreed to buy them from PTS Property Ltd in a £1 million deal.

But Cllr Dan Price, executive board member for culture and partnerships, wants the Government to hand authorities extra powers.

During Monday's full council meeting, Cllr Judith Wheeler (LD – Appleton) questioned him over the steps the council is going to take to ensure the town's heritage is 'fully documented, protected and preserved'.

Cllr Price said the authority is committed to 'celebrating' its heritage, as well as 'protecting' it.

He added: "The council does everything that we can to ensure that Warrington's heritage is fully documented, protected and preserved – the restoration of our magnificent Golden Gates is just a prime example of how we are doing that.

"However, there is a limit to what we achieve when it comes to heritage assets that aren't in our ownership or stewardship.

"This is especially true when it comes to buildings with neglectful, land banking owners.

"As land values increase, I believe now more than ever the Government needs to give councils new compulsory purchase powers, so local authorities can intervene swiftly when we feel heritage buildings are at a risk of irreparable damage.

"If councils had reformed compulsory purchase order powers, I am certain that we would have been able to intervene with sites such as the Garnett Cabinet Works before they came into public ownership in the state they were.

"There was only one real option left on the table, unfortunately."