AN investment of £1.5million has been praised by members of Warrington's Labour Party.

The investment will be in the rejuvenation of leisure facilities in Birchwood, which will include upgrades to the studio space, changing areas, and the tennis hall.

Now, the leader of Warrington Borough Council Russ Bowden has weighed in on the council's massive investment.

Warrington Guardian: Warrington's Labour councillors have hailed the investment as a testament to 'what a Labour-run council' can doWarrington's Labour councillors have hailed the investment as a testament to 'what a Labour-run council' can do (Image: Warrington Borough Council)

Councillor Bowden, who represents Birchwood, said: "This is what a Labour-run council does. This is what real levelling-up looks like.

“We invest in our future, we invest in our infrastructure, and we invest in our communities."

Labour councillors recently approved the £1.5million expenditure into the revamp of Birchwood's leisure facilities, following similar investments into other parts of the town including Woolston, Orford, Great Sankey, Bewsey and Dallam.

Warrington Borough Council is promoting physical and mental wellbeing, with this investment becoming part of the council's long-term strategy.

Cllr Bowden said: "Our residents' health and wellbeing is one of our top priorities as a council.

“Healthier communities benefit the whole town. Improved access to leisure and wellbeing services is crucial to delivering improvements to public health.

“The wellbeing of our residents is vital and our investments into the town’s leisure and wellbeing services show how serious we are about tackling inequalities across Warrington."

The inequalities referred to by the council leader are believed to relate to the fact that Birchwood - and Oakwood in particular - has been identified as an area with a high level of health deprivation.

Cllr Bowden continued: "I made a promise that the proceeds from selling land at the former St Oliver Plunkett primary school would be invested back into Birchwood by creating a neighbourhood hub and I am proud that we are delivering on that promise.” 

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