A VETERAN councillor has praised the leaders at the Town Hall for their handling of the 'unchartered territory' of coronavirus.

Cllr Mike Hannon, who was due to step down next month before elections were cancelled, is one of the longest serving councillors on Warrington Borough Council.

The former deputy leader says the only experience he can compare it to was the two IRA bombing attacks in Warrington in 1993.

And he has praised how council leader Russ Bowden and chief executive Steven Broomhead are managing the crisis.

Council services continue to operate and Cllr Bowden has highlighted the shortage of PPE for frontline care workers.

Warrington Guardian: Deputy leader Clr Mike Hannon

In a letter to Mr Broomhead and Cllr Bowden Cllr Hannon  (LAB - Orford) said: "We and the World are in unchartered territory with so much unknown.

"We rightfully acknowledged all the excellent work being carried out in the NHS, carers and all frontline staff which is clearly very worrying for them and their families. And I’ll be on my doorstep again this Thursday to show my appreciation.

"There are other thank yous to other public servants but they all need leadership and direction and this is where I have to congratulate you both for this clear leadership.

"Russ you have also given constructive criticism of the way that some of the handling from the Government particularly around PPE.

"When we enter public service never would you be expected to oversee on behalf of Warrington a world epidemic but you have both stood up to the mark.

"I’m coming to end of my public life and didn’t want this occasion to pass us by with the upmost of appreciation for you both."