Travellers moved on
by council officers
by Lesley Wilkinson
SWIFT action by Warrington Borough Council forced a group of travellers to leave a parkland site within 48 hours.
The travellers moved onto land at St Elphins Park, Howley – close to the entrance to College Close.
Council officers served notice to quit – and the travellers had moved on within 48 hours of arriving.
Coun Yvonne Fovargue welcomed the prompt action by the council.
She said: “I became aware of the situation as a result of a local resident contacting me. As soon as I made contact with the council, the process of removing the travellers from the site started.
“I was very impressed by the swift action of the council in dealing with a situation that could have led to many days of frustration for local residents and a major clean up exercise for the council’s street cleansing team.”
Coun Fovargue has asked the council to look at ways to stop travellers accessing the site in the future and has been assured that they will put measures in place.
“I have requested that the council look urgently at measures to stop access on to the site by travellers in the future along with a visit by our street cleansing team to make sure the site is cleansed following the encampment,” she asked.
Margaret reaches her century
WARRINGTON resident Margaret Irvine celebrated her 100th birthday with a special party with family and friends.
The celebration took place at Mulberry Court, Stockton Heath where Mrs Irvine attends the community day centre and enjoys a weekly exercise class.
Brenda Thompson, one of Warrington Borough Council’s activity workers, who organised the party, said: “It was a lovely party and Mrs Irvine and her family and friends enjoyed the afternoon, there was even some dancing.
“This is the first 100th birthday we have arranged at the day centre and we were only too pleased to do it as it is such a special occasion.”
Planners defer decision
on club housing scheme
by Lesley Wilkinson
PLANNERS have deferred an application for homes on a Warrington social club site – deemed essential to fund the future of the facility – following objections from 26 people.
The outline application for residential development at Alford Sports and Social Club, in Bennett Avenue, was deferred by Warrington’s Development Control Committee to allow a visit to inspect the site.
Those living nearby claimed the road was too narrow to cope with the extra traffic and parking that the development would create, and that the driveways would be near a bend in the road.
They said the road was already congested, and extra homes would cause increase noise, pollution and be detrimental to children’s safety. Neighbours also feared it would mean risk to the natural habitat, including a possible bat roost, caused by the removal of trees and shrubs.
The outline application, by Mr J. J. Skelton, is expected to be for four two-bedroom houses arranged in a linear fashion. A similar proposal in November 1989 was approved but never carried out.
He claims the development is necessary to finance improvements and to help secure funding for the operation of the club.
A report to the committee said: “Details of the current operation of the club indicate that it is at best only marginally viable. Figures show that it has recently ceased to break even.
“The club provides accommodation in some instances without charge, for a number of community groups and charitable organisations. There is a legitimate concern that the inability to release additional capital through the development now proposed will ultimately result in the loss of this facility within the community,” it added.
Planners say the access arrangements are acceptable and that the development on the car park at the club would leave enough parking spaces for users. They say the development would not cause damage to wildlife.
Cruel thief steals
from elderly woman
by staff reporter
A THIEF entered a pensioner’s home through an open patio door and stole her handbag, while an accomplice kept the woman talking at the front door.
The 81-years-old woman answered a call at her home in Manley Gardens, Warrington at about 4.50pm to find a young woman at the door.
She kept her talking while the thief entered her lounge.
The woman is described as white, aged 26 to 27, slim build, 5ft 6in, with straight dark hair tied in a ponytail.
Police are appealing for witnesses to contact Detective Constable Gordon Livingston on 01244 613864, or to ring the confidential Crimestoppers number on 0800 555 111.
Bid to launch
community theatre
by Lesley Wilkinson
THE lure of footlights and the smell of greasepaint is hoped to attract local people to a new theatre company at Cinnamon Brow Farm, Warrington.
People who are members of other drama companies, or those with no experience but an interest in theatre and live performance, are being urged to get involved in the Cinnamon Brow Community Theatre.
Chairman George Greenall said: “We are urging people to get involved and have a say in this new venture. We are currently seeking funding in order to enhance the building and deliver a venue, which is both affordable and accessible to the community of Warrington.
“Our future plans include expanding the building to the rear and sides in order to double its capacity and attract some larger more established companies locally and touring,” he added.
The group is currently renovating the building replacing existing stage, sound and lighting systems with funds already secured. It is planned to launch the venue in mid December with a music and theatre extravaganza.
Mr Greenall said the group aims to increase community participation and manage the venue to benefit the community and to make it more accessible to everyone.
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