Warrington Borough Council is pressing ahead with a £1.5 million scheme to transform a main route into the town centre, even as it cuts school crossing patrols to save £35,000 a year. Construction on Sankey Street is due to start in April 2026 and will last approximately 32 weeks, bringing new footways, cycle lanes, greenery and crossing points to the area.
The scheme is fully funded by Town Deal money and requires no borrowing from the council, which is grappling with debts of around £1.9 billion. Council Leader Hans Mundry said the improvements are part of a wider transformation of the town centre and sustainable travel links.
The news comes just weeks after the Labour-run council approved its 2026-27 budget, which includes a 7.48% council tax rise and cuts to school crossing patrols. The decision to scrap the patrols is expected to save £35,000 in the coming financial year and £25,000 the year after. Parents in Penketh and Grappenhall have launched petitions to save the services, with Nicola Simpson in Grappenhall praised by residents for her devoted service to the community.
Opposition councillors have questioned the priorities. Liberal Democrat, Conservative and Independent councillors all voted against the budget on 2 March 2026, arguing that spending on town centre aesthetics should not come while cutting services that protect children on their way to school. The council must find £40 million in savings to address a £178.9 million four-year funding gap.
Residents can find out more about the Sankey Street Gateway plans on the council website and view the budget details online.
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