New drive to stamp
out underage drinking
by John Hendon
A HIGH profile campaign is aiming to crack down on underage drinking in Warrington.
The campaign, funded by the Warrington Health Partnership and the Safer Warrington Partnership, is targeted at all “off licence” sellers of alcohol across the borough.
Under the banner “I’d rather ask for ID than lose my job”, the campaign is phase two of the borough’s “Drink – draw the line” blitz on alcohol-related problems in Warrington.
Phase one of the campaign included hard-hitting posters in pubs, launched in a bid to combat problems of binge drinking in the town centre.
Targeted at people who sell alcohol in off licences, shops and supermarkets, the new campaign calls for people to ask for “100 per cent proof” – no proof, no sale.
It urges shop assistants and managers not to sell to underage drinkers and to think about the consequences for themselves, their company, the young people and the wider community.
Over the coming weeks an underage alcohol sales officer, brought in specially by Warrington Trading Standards, will continue to visit off-licences and stores selling alcohol to educate shop workers and involve them in the campaign.
Sessions will be held with off-licence staff and the campaign forms part of a training package of education and advice for licensees and their staff.
Coun Mike Hannon, the borough council’s executive member for community and well-being, said: “Prevention and education are vital if we are to combat the dangerous effects of teen drinking.
“Working closely with off licences and other sellers of alcohol, this campaign is targeted at cracking down hard on underage drinkers and reducing the harmful effects alcohol can have in communities across our borough.
“Underage drinking is a serious problem that effects us all. We are committed to preventing alcohol abuse among our underage children and young people. By encouraging shop workers to take an active role in spreading the awareness and tackling underage drinking at its source, we hope we can make a real difference.”
Trading Standards manager Peter Astley added: “There is no excuse for people to sell alcohol to underage drinkers. We need to ensure that underage drinkers have fewer opportunities to get hold of alcohol and, in some cases, cause trouble in their areas.
“Licensees and shops selling alcohol have an important role to play in ensuring they do not sell alcohol to young people – or to adults who may be buying it for youngsters who are under age.”
Since 2002, Trading Standards have carried out a programme of test purchase exercises across the borough, targeting off-licence premises by sending volunteers under the age of 18 and attempting to buy alcohol. The results of those surveys were cause for concern and it is hoped this new campaign could have a significant impact on sales to youngsters.
Man’s body found on
old gas works site
by staff reporter
POLICE at Warrington have ruled out foul play following the discovery of a man’s body near the town centre.
The body was found late at night at the old gas works in Winwick Road, Longford – and was identified as that of a 40-year-old local man.
Detectives were called to the scene as the circumstances at first appeared suspicious.
But now, after receiving the results of a post mortem examination, police have decided it was not a suspicious death.
A spokesman said: “The facts have been reported to the coroner but we are no longer treating it as a suspicious death.”
The identity of the man has not been revealed.
RL signing backs
recruitment drive
by staff reporter
RUGBY League international Martin Gleeson – Warrington Wolves’ latest big-name “recruit” – is backing a special recruitment day at the Halliwell Jones Stadium tomorrow (Saturday).
Prime Time Recruitment, the official recruitment partner of Warrington Wolves’ is holding a recruitment day to fill 35 new telesales positions at Warrington-based CPM (UK).
Great Britain international Gleeson, showed his support for the drive when he met Prime Time’s Andy Vose and Dena Moth at the Stadium, in a call to candidates.
Mr Vose, said: “This is a great job opportunity for the people of Warrington. It brings many new jobs to the Warrington area with excellent starting salaries – ?14,000 basic starting salary to a potential of ?19,000 with target earnings.”
Anyone interested should attend tomorrow between 10am and 4pm or call Prime Time Recruitment’s Warrington office on 01925 633104.
Millennium volunteers
?600 bash for charity
by staff reporter
MONTHS of hard work paid off for Millennium Volunteers Kristina McGuirk and Vicky Seddon when a charity night at Warrington’s Alford Hall raised more than ?600.
The money will go to two charities – St Rocco’s Hospice and Breast Cancer Care.
A showcase of entertainment included live music from the “Smoke Busters” and a fashion show supported by Stockton Heath fashion stores Sara Siddons and EVE who both provided clothes for the models.
Cheshire Fire Service were also involved entertaining the crowds as they escorted the models down the catwalk.
Hollyoaks stars Marcus Patrick and Christina Baily proved a big attraction modelling clothes and generally helping out.
Millennium Volunteers is a national project to encourage young people aged 16-24 to get involved in the community, building on their skills and interests.
“Mobile phones’ regulations
must be made tougher”
by David Skentelbery
THE Liberal Democrat leader on Warrington Borough Council is giving his backing to a Parliamentary Bill which would give local councils more control over the siting of mobile phone masts.
Coun Ian Marks – also the Liberal Democrat Prospective Parliamentary candidate for Warrington South – says he knows the Bill will have the support of many people in the borough.
The Private Members’ Bill will have its second reading on March 18.
Coun Marks said: “There is ongoing concern about the dangers of mobile phones and masts.
“If passed, this Bill will stop companies from putting up mobile phone masts without consulting local communities and gaining planning approval from the local authority.
“The Bill would bring in the so-called ‘precautionary principle’ giving planners more powers to refuse mast applications.
“I know that many communities in Warrington would welcome this change. There have been far too many cases of mobile phone masts going through on the nod because our planners have no teeth to do anything.
“The Government has backed out of repeated promises to change the planning laws. This Bill is long overdue and has cross-party support. It is an opportunity for the Government to take notice of the concerns of people all over the country.
“It would give extra protection to schools, medical facilities and homes against high radiation levels from all telecommunication masts.”
Hospital teams to
aid tsunami victims
by staff reporter
TWO volunteer medical teams from Warrington Hospital are to travel to South East Asia to help tsunami victims.
Tomorrow (Saturday) they will be at the Golden Square Shopping Centre where a fundraising event will betaking place from 11am to 5pm to raise money for the trip.
Members of the hospital’s Anaesthesia Trauma and Critical Care Disaster Response team will be present.
The event takes place in the Old Market Place and music will be played throughout the day by compere Steve Emery to get people in the mood to give generously.
It is hoped that the Rapid Response emergency vehicle will be there to help raise awareness.
Golden Square manager Andrew Ward said: “The events in Asia have shocked everyone, so we’re happy to let the hospital team come down to fundraise for their trip. I hope our customers dig deep to inc
rease the much-needed appeal fund.”
