AN executive board member could consider inviting the Queen to any of Warrington's libraries in the future so she can 'witness' what has been 'achieved'.

Cllr Tony Higgins, executive board member for leisure and community, revealed the prospect of an invite at Monday's full council meeting.

It came after a question from Cllr Sharon Harris (LD – Appleton).

She said: "Following Her Majesty the Queen's visit to Chester central library, the Storyhouse, will the executive board member be extending a similar invitation to her to visit Warrington's central library anytime soon?"

Cllr Higgins (LAB – Fairfield and Howley) took the opportunity to congratulate Chester on the site, which he labelled as a 'cultural delight'.

He added: "I know my colleague, Cllr Price, is working on developing and delivering a cultural framework for Warrington and, no doubt, once that is completed we will have something which can sit alongside something like the Storyhouse here in Warrington.

"As for an invitation for the Queen to Warrington, yes, I would be honoured and privileged to do that.

"But let's not forget that in 2012 the Queen did visit the Orford Jubilee Hub to open it, so she has been to Warrington before.

"What I would say is upon completion of the libraries partnership board, once they have successfully completed their work, I may then consider an invite to Her Majesty the Queen to any of our libraries.

"I would like her to have witnessed what we have achieved here in Warrington and that we put our money where our mouths are, made that investment in our libraries and not only keep the libraries we have got, but increase that provision in Warrington, something the Liberal Democrats sadly failed to do while in administration."

The libraries partnership board is overseeing the implementation of the library strategy and the programme of modernisation proposals agreed by council chiefs.

In December, the executive board committed to keeping all of the town's libraries open 'subject to robust business cases'.

In total, £1 million of the authority's funds will go towards repairs, maintenance and investment at existing buildings, while £150,000 has been designated to enhance the book fund budget.