Reopening Warrington for business

Cllr Bob Barr, Liberal Democrat Group Leader on Warrington Borough Council, commented to the BBC and Warrington Guardian as the town's economic recovery begins:

It will be a relief to businesses in Warrington that not only is non-essential shopping now possible, but that a good number of shoppers want to take advantage of it. However, this isn't the launch that we wanted for the new Time Square, or the level of re-opening for Golden Square and our other retail parks.

There is a real question mark over whether High Streets around the country can recover, and if they can, what proportion of their former business they can regain. Many will no longer be viable.

That makes it much more important that those of us who have learnt to support and use local suppliers, during the lockdown, continue to do so, and that those who used to see Liverpool, Manchester and Cheshire Oaks as their go-to shopping destinations consider shopping more locally. Warrington is potentially well placed to offer a fresh 'new normal' shopping and leisure experience, but only if the town pulls together and supports local traders.