Golden gates are ‘falling into disrepair’ (From Warrington Guardian)

Warrington Town Hall golden gates are ‘falling into disrepair’

1:40pm Friday 11th May 2012 in News

ONE of the jewels in Warrington’s crown is falling into disrepair and could end up costing thousands to restore if action is not taken soon.

That is the view of David Thelwell, who last restored the town’s Golden Gates 19 years ago.

The expert decorator, who specialises in painting and gilding, said a full restoration of the gates could cost Warrington Borough Council in the region of £110,000 if action is not taken soon to halt the decline.

He said: “I was sickened to see the state they were in. They bring a lot of people to Warrington so they should be a top order.

“My assessment now after looking at them is they are in need of major works.

“There is a big crack in one of the pillars which will need gas welding and there are some flowers missing and the paint work is shot.”

Mr Thelwell made a trip to see how the gates were doing before he jetted out to Saudi Arabia where he is now working on a project.

He said that the gates need to be blasted, have metal work restored and require a full re-paint and gilding which would take around 12 weeks to complete.

“Work on these gates should be done every year then this would have prevented so much deterioration,” said Prescot-based Mr Thelwell.

The cost of gold would have an impact on the price of gilding the gates and he believed with cuts to services the council may find the job too expensive at this time.

Mr Thelwell added: “The cost of gold last time was £28,000 and it has now at least doubled.”

A council spokesman said: “The council wishes to keep the Town Hall gates well maintained and we are currently considering options for their restoration.”