WARRINGTON Borough Council is unlikely to proceed with any property deals for the foreseeable future due to the economic uncertainty caused by the coronavirus pandemic.

The Labour-run authority’s acquisitions include the £211 million purchase of Birchwood Park and the £26.1 million deal to buy Eddie Stobart’s headquarters at Stretton Green Distribution Park.

They have also bought the property home to a Tesco superstore in Bolton, as well as an Asda superstore in Hulme.

Senior Town Hall figures say commercial properties are being bought in an attempt to offset the impact of cuts in Government funding.

They boost income through rent, which can be used to deliver services.

But it looks as though the council will not be going ahead with any deals for now because of the coronavirus outbreak.

Chief executive Steven Broomhead said: “Due to the economic climate and the particular state of the property market, the private sector and the public sector are being very cautious about any investments.

“I would imagine that caution on investments and even a moratorium on investments will continue for the foreseeable future.”

Mr Broomhead highlighted the importance of the income generated by the investments but says the council, along with other local authorities and businesses, will have to reconsider income targets.

But he added that he is not ‘overly concerned’ about whether the council will struggle to fill any gaps in the budget due to the current situation.