Award winning youth
initiative saved
by Gary Skentelbery
A GROUND breaking community initiative for young people which was facing closure due to lack of funding has been saved.
After seven years of success the award winning Warrington Youth Action Community Safety Partnership, which has become a pilot for other nationwide initiatives, has secured enough funding to continue for another year.
Since its formation it has enabled increasing numbers of young people to contribute towards the safety of their communities across the town.
After many months of concern regarding the lack of financial support to sustain this important work on behalf of our young people and the town in general, I can report that Warrington Youth Action now have the commitment to fund the partnership for another year.
Dave Betts QPM, (pictured) Chairman and founder of the partnership, said, “It has been a difficult time for Youth Action but now with the support of a number of agencies we can look forward to another year of projects delivered by our young people across our borough, which positively contribute in various ways to the safety of our community in general.
“Our supporters are very aware of the contribution this work has made to the wider community and the personal benefits to those young people involved in respect of their achievements, self esteem and confidence.”
During his time as Head of Crime Prevention and Community Safety in the town and since his retirement from Cheshire Police, Dave has continued to believe in the promotion of the good work young people do, rather than the negative issues.
He said: “The more young people who are involved in good things on behalf of others, the less they will be engaged in the pursuit of criminal and anti-social activities. There are many more young people engaged in good work than not.”
As a result of the recent funding crisis and to prevent a recurrence, Dave is currently working with a core group of the partnership to plan a longer term strategy to ensure its future.
He would like to hear from anyone who feels they have a part to play and has the commitment to achieve the aims and objectives of the partnership.
Those who have helped the partnership financially include David Whitehead, Interim Chief Exececutive at Warrington Borough Council and the Safer Warrington Partnership, Steven Broomhead of the North West Development Agency, Rob Jarvis of British Nuclear Fuels, The Rotary Club of Warrington and the office of Helen Jones MP.
Certain local businesses are also making a contribution that will be of major assistance and there is a commitment from schools and colleges, at which much of the work is delivered to part fund project work.
“Without all this support we would not have been in a position to continue,” added Dave.
“Warrington Youth Action can now regain its position as a major deliverer of positive community safety projects on behalf of and for the benefit of the people of the borough.”
New leader for
Liberal Democrats
by David Skentelbery
THE Liberal Democrat opposition group on Warrington Borough Council – boosted by five after last week’s elections – has a new leader.
Long serving councillor Ian Marks – who is also Liberal Democrat Prospective Parliamentary candidate for Warrington South – was elected leader at the group’s annual meeting.
He succeeds Coun Barbara Mawer, who has led the group for 13 years. Coun Mawer said: “I have been leader since 1991 and I have decided it is now time to hand over the reins to someone else.
“I am privileged to have led such a friendly and united group for 13 years, and in this time, I have seen it grow from eight to its present 21. This is very satisfying.
” I am delighted to be handing over to Ian Marks, who I know will do an excellent job and take the party forward to yet more influence on the council.
” The recent election results show that the Liberal Democrats command support all over the town and are well poised to take more seats at the next election.”
Coun Marks (pictured above) represents Lymm on the borough council and is also a member and former chairman of Lymm Parish Council.
He has been the Liberal Democrat spokesman on finance in recent years.
Coun Celia Jordan is to continue as deputy leader of the group.
“A sound quality
of education”
by staff reporter
A WARRINGTON school has been praised for offering its pupils “a sound quality of education” in a report by OFSTED, the Office for Standards in Education.
Inspectors said Glazebury Church of England Primary School offered pupils an education from a broad curriculum enriched by a good range of activities.
The report praised the spiritual, moral and cultural development of pupils and said the systems of assessment were good, allowing teachers a clear idea of what pupils need to learn next.
Levels of attendance were well above the national average and the team reported good relationships between members of the school community creating a positive environment.
The level of support offered to pupils with special educational needs was praised and the school was said to be well-governed with clear leadership.
Inspectors said that issues previously raised – including standards of ICT and library provision – had been addressed and were improving.
New head teacher Elaine Morgan, was praised for providing clear leadership. Inspectors say she is well supported by hardworking staff.
Recommendations, from the inspectors, included increasing the challenges for high attaining pupils, regular risk assessment and ensuring that reception class pupils received a range of opportunities.
Elaine said: “I am pleased with this positive report, which reflects the evaluation the school has already undertaken.
“Ofsted’s comment that the areas for development had already been identified and are being addressed is a tribute to the hard work and continuing commitment of all members of the school community.”
Chairman of governors Julia Caswell added: “The governors are delighted with the report and would like to thank pupils, staff and parents for all their hard work and look forward to ensuring the school continues to move forward in the future.”
Traditional crafts
get a bit greener
by Lesley Wilkinson
ACTIVITIES ranging from willow weaving to monster making will be on offer at a day of traditional crafts being held at Risley Moss on Sunday June 27.
The annual event, from 11am to 4pm, gets a bit greener this year with a recycling theme.
Visitors will be able to try archery, discover solar power, become an expert composter, or watch a chainsaw sculptor.
There will also be music, children’s entertainment and refreshments.
The event has been organised by Warrington Borough Council together with the Ranger Service and Risley Moss Action Group.
Further information is available from the rangers on 01925 824339, email [email protected]
Town’s businesses
given pride of place
by staff reporter
BUSINESSES across Warrington were given pride of place at the British American Business Council’s (BABC) Transatlantic Business Conference, under the umbrella of Warrington UK.
The borough council’s economic development team represented Warrington businesses at the conference by sponsoring the transport used for delegates throughout the event.
Two hundred delegates from across North America and the UK participated in the conference, which was the organisation’s 10th Anniversary, and Al Gore, 45th Vice President of the United States, was the conference’s keynote speaker.
Other speakers included Sir Nicholas Scheele, President of Ford Motor Company; Lord Marshall of Knightsbridge, Chairman of British Airways; Ambassador Philip Lader, Chairman WPP Group plc; and Digby Jones, Director General of the Confederation of British Indust
ry.
Carsten Kressel, head of economic development for the council, said: “By sponsoring this event, Warrington businesses were well and truly put on the international map. The event was a huge success, which I hope builds on Warrington’s ever-growing reputation for business.”
