Boy, 12, in canal
rescue drama
by David Skentelbery
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A 12-year-old boy was rescued by fire crews using an inflatable boat after falling down the embankment of the Manchester Ship Canal at Latchford, Warrington.
He was trapped on a sandstone ledge only inches above the water for 40 minutes before he could be winched to safety.
The boy, who suffered back and wrist injuries, was taken to hospital.
A Fire Service spokesman said the youngster – who has not been named – was playing with friends near the Cantilever Bridge when he fell down the canal bank.
He ended up on a ledge only a few inches above the water and could not climb back up the steep, concrete bank.
The rescue boat was launched from Latchford Locks and a crew was lowered down the bank to secure the boy, who was badly shaken.
He suffered a 40 minute ordeal before being winched to safety.
The spokesman said: ?We would like to reinforce the message that it is dangerous for children to play near the canal. This boy was very lucky to survive this fall – he could easily have ended up in the water.?
Ted goes ‘Ed first’
into being new Mayor!
report and pictures by Gary Skentelbery
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WELL known local councillor Ted Lafferty has become the 121st Mayor of Warrington – and first Liberal Democrat Mayor for the borough.
Known to friends as “Eddy” he even has his own personalised number plate on the Mayoral car – Warrington’s “ED1,” dating back to the days when the borough had its own “ED” number plates.
Coun Lafferty, who is also the first Mayor from the Grappenhall and Thelwall ward, was formally elected during the annual meeting of the Council. His wife, Pat, takes on the role of Mayoress.
His “whirlwind” selection followed former deputy Mayor Jan Davidson losing her seat to the Lib Dems at Great Sankey during the local elections.
Members of the controlling Labour group, which had its over all control reduced to just three at the local elections, agreed to allow the Lib Dems to have their first Mayor, after rejecting moves to Make Coun Lafferty Mayor on numerous occasions in the past.
A borough Councillor since 1987 and a parish Councillor since 1983, Coun Lafferty is a Warringtonian born and bred.
He and his wife have a son David and daughter Rena as well as six grandchildren who all live locally. Their beloved son Tex, who sadly died in Australia last Christmas, always hoped that his dad would become Mayor of Warrington.
Coun Lafferty joined the army in the Grenadier Guards, serving on active service in Cyprus. He also served on the old Borough Police Force and then worked for two large local firms, Thames Board Mills and Solvay Interox.
For many years he has been involved in the community of Grappenhall and Thelwall, including running the Grappenhall Youth and Community Association Boys Football Team for many seasons. He was also Chairman of Grappenhall and Thelwall Royal British Legion for about 20 years and is still the Welfare Officer.
He was a founder member of the Brigade of Guards in Warrington and has been Treasurer since it’s inception about fourteen years ago.
Commenting on his appointment he said: “It is with great pleasure – and some surprise – that I stand here as Mayor of Warrington. I am truly honoured to have been chosen to represent the people of Warrington and be the first Liberal Democrat Mayor of Warrington.
“Although I will be Warrington?s First Citizen, I am determined, as I have always tried to do during 17 years as a ward councillor for Grappenhall and Thelwall, that during my term of office I will put the citizen?s of Warrington first.
“As many of you will know the last year has been very difficult for my family. However, our pain has been slightly eased by the concern and support shown to us by people right across the borough. I now have the opportunity to repay the people of Warrington for that kindness.”
His chosen charities for the year will be Warrington Disability Partnership and Warrington Hospital League of Friends.
Coun Hans Mundry was elected as Deputy Mayor, with his wife, Coun Karen Mundry, taking on the role of Deputy Mayoress.
Myths and legends!
Picture: John King
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MYTHS and legends was the theme for Thelwall’s annual Rose Queen festival.
Rose Queen Hannah Gleave was crowned by crowner Mrs Cynthia Morgan, head Teacher of Thelwall Junior School.
The parade of floats was followed by a variety of activities including a Falconry display, dancing, tug?o war competition and the float prizes presentation.
Many stalls and side shows included smashing crockery, beat the goalie, haunted house, Bouncy slide, Fairground organ, Tombola, Plants stalls, Hook a duck, many food stalls, Circus workshops by a juggler and clown, book stall, pottery stall and a display of Warrington Transport Museum.
For more pictures from the event click here Thelwall Rose Queen 2004
Bawming the Thorn!
Pictures: John King
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YOUNGSTERS from Appleton Thorn Primary School turned back the clock to help keep alive the medieval tradition of “Bawming the thorn.”
Pupils from the school performed the traditional dance around the thorn tree in the village centre while others entered the spirit of the occasion in fancy dress.
The history of the event dates back to the crusades and the tree originates from the famous Glastnbury Thorn.
The ancient tradition was revived int he 1960’s when the original tree was blown down in gales and the bawming ceromony took place to mark the planting of the new tree.
Pictures show youngsters in fancy dress and the bawming ceremony involving pupils from Appleton Thorn Primary School.
Man sprayed with CS
gas in his own home
by staff reporter
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POLICE at Warrington are investigating an attack on a householder using what is believed to have been CS gas.
The man answered a knock on his door at his home in Oakwood and the incapacitating gas was sprayed in his face.
The attacker was a youth aged 14-17 wearing a dark top and baseball cap.
A police spokesman said: ?There has been an increase in this type of offence in Warrington in recent times and we regard the use of this kind of spray very seriously.?,BR> Anyone who has information about the offence is asked to call PC Steve Deehan on 01244 612640.
MP wants troops’ free
parcel service restored
by staff reporter
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WARRINGTON North MP Helen Jones has joined colleagues in Parliament calling for the reinstatement of the free parcel service to British troops in Iraq.
The MP said restoring the service would be a clear message of support to troops who were in more danger now than when the war was still officially in progress.
She said: ” I understand there is considerable concern from ex-forces associations and the ex-forces charity SSAFA that the free parcel service to our troops in Iraq has been withdrawn. The cost of sending a parcel can be as much as ?7.
“Iraq has, at present, the largest operational deployment of British troops anywhere in the world and they are still under constant fire. The risk to our forces has increased, not diminished, since the war was officially declared over and I believe that the free parcel service should be reintroduced as it represents a clear message of support to our troops.”
Housing scheme to
go under scrutiny
by David Skentelbery
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PLANNING chiefs are to visit the proposed site for nine new houses after hearing of objections from more than 100 nearby residents.
Members of Wa
rrington’s development control committee will visit the land in Grappenhall Road, Stockton Heath before deciding if the proposals can go ahead.
The scheme involves nine detached houses in the garden of 81, Grappenhall Road. All would be two-storey and group in a semi-circular arrangement around a turning head forming an extension to Hollow Drive.
Planning officers are recommending that the scheme be approved.
But objectors say the scheme would mean the loss of an attractive green area and change the character of Hollow Drive.
They predict increased traffic hazards on a road already congested and with no pavements.
Other objections are based loss of privacy, overcrowding of existing schools and increased noise and pollution.
Stockton Heath Parish Council has also objected. They claim the site forms part of an old mill and mill pond with several underground water courses which have affected other developments in the area.
But the Environment Agency say it is not an area where it would expect to find underground streams, nor does it have any records of culverted watercourses.
However, if any are discovered, appropriate measures could be taken to ensure there is no flooding problem.
Smoke alarm saves
family in flat fire
by staff reporter
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A FAMILY escaped unhurt after an arson attack on a flat at Orford, Warrington – thanks to a smoke alarm.
The blaze was in Cabul Close and apparently involved a substance being poured through a letterbox.
A Fire Service spokesman said the occupants of the first floor flat became aware of the fire in the hallway when a smoke alarm went off.
They were able to tackle the blaze and extinguish it in its early stages and the fire was out by the time fire crews reached the scene.
“This family were undoubtedly able to tackle this fire early on because they were alerted by the smoke alarm,” the spokesman added.
A man is helping police with inquiries.
Safety talks on
town’s walking days
by John Hendon
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CHURCH leaders, Town Hall chiefs and police have held a special meeting to discuss the safety of the impending walking day season in Warrington.
Representatives of Churches Together Warrington (CTW), Warrington Borough Council and local police were involved in the talks.
A number of short-term and temporary road closures and route adjustments are planned, to cause as little disruption as possible to the walkers and other road users. Local community police and trained marshals will be on hand to ensure events run smoothly.
The Rev Stephen Kingsnorth, CTW borough liaison officer, said: “These walking days are special celebrations which are an important highlight for local churches and the community. However, we understand the need to ensure safety and security at such events.
“This meeting was very useful and gave everyone involved in the walking days an opportunity to exchange views and ideas. We have found compromises that will benefit everyone,” he added.
Warrington Borough Council, in discussion with other partners through the Warrington Event Safety Advisory Group, is preparing guidelines on safety and planning for people organising events next year.
