BOROUGH chiefs have responded after a resident claimed drugs are being dealt in the foyer of Warrington’s town centre museum building.

Major proposals have been revealed to re-energise the 152-year-old site.

Under the plans, Warrington Museum and Art Gallery and central library, on Museum Street, are set to become Warrington Museum and Library.

But a resident, who wishes to remain anonymous, has raised serious concerns over the site.

He said: “I take a keen interest in the art gallery, not so much in the museum or library, and as a relative newcomer, I feel it deserves better.

“I used to enjoy popping into the library but not anymore.

“Drugs are dealt in the museum foyer, spice users sit incapacitated in the vestibule and others are scattered throughout the reading areas and computer room.

“In addition, the clients of Pathways, adjacent to the library, who gather daily, roll up joints on the top of the street waste bin two yards from the museum entrance, dealers loiter in the vicinity, while alcoholics colonise Palmyra Square, sleeping in doorways.”

LiveWire and Culture Warrington run library, leisure, arts and heritage services on behalf of the council.

And the council has responded to the comments.

It says it works closely with partners, businesses and the police to ensure that all community spaces and assets, including the museum and library, are safe.

A spokesman added: “We have a strong relationship with Pathways/Change, Grow, Live (CGL), who offer valuable support to those with drug and alcohol problems and undertake regular visits to the areas surrounding the service centre, including the library and museum.

“There have been no concerns raised to us over drug dealing in the library or museum, but we remain vigilant and welcome the support of residents in informing the police of any illegal activity.

“We welcome everyone, including CGL service users and other potentially vulnerable residents, to use our facilities but remind everyone that they must be used, and enjoyed, responsibly.”