EMERGENCY work to 'remove immediate danger' at the historic Cabinet Works site took place during a 'carefully supervised' operation this morning, Saturday.
Contractor CJS Ltd commenced the job at 7.30am, with an area of Barbauld Street coned off to allow space for the high-access mobile platform.
Glass was removed from windows at the iconic building with a crowbar before CJS attempted to get to the 'dangerous' chimney, which is putting the nearby area, including the Rag & Bone building, at risk.
At first the chimney could not be reached but after the contractor repositioned its vehicle a number of bricks from it were removed and came down one by one.
The chimney and a section of wall had been earmarked as areas of 'immediate concern'.
Yesterday, the council confirmed that following a meeting with PTS Property Services, which owns the Cabinet Works building and Garnett's water tower, emergency measures to make part of the chimney safe would be carried out.
The authority also said work to remove the 'collapsing gable end wall' will take place.
But just the top of the chimney, along with some window glass, were removed today.
Work was completed by 11.30am.
Warrington Civic Society chairman John Shipley, who overlooked this morning's events, praised the council's building control manager Tony Gartside for his 'very careful supervision'.
He added: "We were very pleased that the council took the approach to use an elevated platform, like a big crane, from Barbauld Street, we think that was much better than the original proposal to go via the old industrial school."
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