WARRINGTON Borough Council’s cabinet will meet later today – but the public will not be able to attend because of the coronavirus outbreak.

Changes are being made to protect the public, other elected members and officers for the 6pm meeting at the Town Hall.

Four members – leader of the council Cllr Russ Bowden, deputy Cllr Cathy Mitchell, Cllr Hans Mundry and Cllr Rebecca Knowles – will physically attend to present and vote on their reports.

The meeting arrangements will be supported by a small number of officers, including chief executive Steven Broomhead.

The Labour-run council says those attending will clearly follow the social distancing guidance.

No other elected members, officers or members of the public will be permitted to physically attend.

Instead, part one of the agenda will be broadcast live via the council’s Facebook page at facebook.com/warringtonbc.

Cllr Bowden said: “In these uncertain times our priority continues to be protecting as many people as possible.

“We can’t take the risk of inviting members of the public, or others who might normally attend this meeting, because we should all be doing what we can to stay indoors in line with the national guidance.

“There are, however, important decisions we need to make to keep Warrington moving which is why this meeting is set to go ahead.

“By streaming the meeting live, we are giving people who want to listen to discussions the chance to do so.”