WARRINGTON Borough Council has confirmed that an investigation has been launched into the apparent rusting of the Golden Gates.

This comes a year after the landmark underwent an expensive restoration project to bring it back to its former glory.

The refurbishment of the gates took seven months of painstaking work, costing a sum in the region of £500,000.

But photos published earlier this month shows apparent corrosion of the gates, which have stood proudly outside Warrington Town Hall for more than a century

One reader said: “I am very concerned about the state of the Golden Gates. These were only refurbished last year.

“They should not be rusting like they are. Something needs to be done and ASAP.”

The council has since confirmed that it is looking into the cause of the rust and will look to rectify it once identified.

A spokesman said: “We are aware of the corrosion issue and have been working constructively with project lead Ramboll and contractor Hall Conservation to identify the underlying cause.

Photos showing apparent rust on the Golden Gates

Photos showing apparent rust on the Golden Gates

“This work has included site visits to enable specialist investigations to take place and paint analysis samples to be obtained.

“Once this work has been completed, Hall and Ramboll will be providing us with a remedial plan and likely timescales.

“Under the contract, remedial rectification work is carried out at the contractor’s cost.”

The Warrington Guardian reported the installation of the handsome new addition to Bank Park on June 28, 1895.

They were presented to the town by Frederick Monks, but they were originally meant for an even more prestigious destination.

The cast-iron gates were commissioned as a present for Queen Victoria and were due to be installed at Sandringham, but she refused to accept them as behind the gates stood a statue of Oliver Cromwell.

Sandringham’s loss however was Warrington’s gain, as the gates were returned to their makers and spotted by council member Monks during a visit.

He was so taken by them he bought them as a gift for the council, and they were installed in pride of place in Bank Park two years later.