Clean air campaign
suffers a hiccup
by John Hendon
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WARRINGTON’S drive to clean up its air suffered a hiccup last year – because of the long, hot summer.
New figures show that last year bucked the trend of recent years of falling pollution levels in the town.
A review of the 2003 figures, just completed, has revealed a slight increase in pollution levels due to the hot weather – a trend experienced right across the country.
Levels of nitrogen dioxide, linked with motor vehicle pollution and industrial emissions, have fallen by more than 40 per cent over the last 10 years, despite rising vehicle use of 18 per cent over the same period. Reasons highlighted for the improvement in air quality are the gradual introduction of newer, cleaner vehicles and reductions in industrial emissions through tighter regulation.
However, the council is vowing to continue to work alongside drivers and industry bosses to bring about even more improvements, encouraging more opportunities for walking, cycling, car sharing, home working and use of public transport, as well as technical guidance, advice and support to reduce industry emissions.
The council’s environmental protection team is continuing to keep a close watch on Warrington’s environment using the latest in monitoring equipment.
Recent improvements to the council’s air quality laboratory now allow dust and fine particle levels in the air to be monitored, while a partnership with the operators of Fiddler Ferry Power Station allows sulphur dioxide levels from the combustion of coal to be constantly monitored.
State of the art computer modelling is also now being used by the council to predict what air quality will be like in the future, allowing action to be taken now where necessary.
The 2003 report confirmed that Warrington’s air quality is generally very good. It did, however, reaffirm the need to tackle emissions associated with the motorways and to protect air quality next to the major roads around the town centre. Additional monitoring is also taking place in Stockton Heath village to address resident’s concerns about traffic congestion in the area.
Coun Mike Hannon, executive member for community and wellbeing, (pictured above)said: “The council takes its responsibility to manage air quality very seriously and we will continue to strive for a better environment for everyone – now and for our future generations. I am very pleased to see that we continue to be one of a handful of local authorities who regularly comply with strict government targets for completing reviews of local air quality. We have demonstrated our commitment to improving the local environment by publishing a borough-wide Air Quality Management Plan.”
Grease is the word!
by Gary Skentelbery
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YOUNGSTERS from across Warrington have teamed up to put on a special production of the hit musical “Grease.”
It follows four months of hard work between Celebration of Youth (COY) and the NSPCC, based at the Warrington Peace Centre.
Three performances will be taking place at St Gregory’s High School on: Thursday July 15 at 6pm, Saturday July 17 at 2pm and 6pm and Sunday July 18 at 6pm.
Tickets are free with only 120 available for each night.
Show director Kelly Simcock from COY said: “Diverse groups of young people have participated in the project ranging from those who have never been on stage before, to skilled performers!
“It has been a good opportunity for groups of young people to see the work of Celebration Of Youth and to identify projects they may wish to be involved in for the future, or even to establish links with us and the work we do!
“If anyone knows of any volunteers with expertise in make-up or hair type stuff, please contact us. We are also looking for stewards to help us out at each performance! It promises to be a fantastic show!”
For tickets or to offer help please call Jo Hemmingway on 01925-581200 at the NSPCC or e-mail [email protected]
Pictures show lead characters “Danny” played by Alex Buchanan, aged 15 from Penketh and “Sandy” played by 14-year-old Becky Scott from Appleton and members of the cast.
College maintains link
with high schools
by staff reporter
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A 15-year old boy has completed a one-week period of work experience at Priestley College, Warrington as part of an on-going link between the college and high schools in the town.
Bruce McKinnon, a pupil from Boteler CE High School was the second youngster from a partner school to tackle work experience at the college, following in the footsteps of Deon Stevenson, from Birchwood High, in May.
Boteler and Priestley have always enjoyed a very strong relationship and have already worked closely together on a range of projects.
Bruce, a Year 10 student from Orford, completed a range of tasks and spent time in a number of departments on the Loushers Lane site. He was able to play a pivotal role in the student services area, worked with the marketing team and also got a chance to drive the college’s IT helpdesk.
He said: “Overall it’s been a good experience. I met some interesting people and was able to see what their day-to-day job involves.”
The college’s marketing assistant and webmaster Nat Ashurst added: “It was a pleasure to work alongside Bruce for a day and from the College’s point of view we are sure he took away a positive impression.”
Picture shows Bruce (right) with marketing assistant Nat Ashurst
New clamp down on
town centre violence
by David Skentelbery
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POLICE have announced the date of their third “Operation Yellow Card” weekend in Warrington.
It will take place a week today (Friday) and tomorrow (Saturday) – July 2 and 3 – as part of the on-going campaign to stamp out drunkenness and hooliganism in the town centre.
Special teams of police officers were will be on duty, handing out yellow cards detailing what is considered unacceptable behaviour.
Since the campaign was launched on April 30 by divisional police commander Supt Julia Clayton, 88 people have been arrested on Friday and Saturday nights for offences such as drink related disorder and possession of drugs.
On Friday 18th June, 04 officers from the Department for Work and Pensions accompanied police on patrol.
Chief Inspector Steve Littlejohn, operations manager for Warrington Division said: “This ‘get tough’ approach to tackling anti-social behaviour and drink related disorder is working in Warrington. Violence and aggression will not be tolerated.
“By working in partnership with the borough council’s licensing officers, the fire service and now the Department for Work and Pensions, we are making sure that the people who run, or work in the town’s pubs and clubs are complying with the law. We want people to enjoy a night out in Warrington in safety and we will continue to target those who are determined to cause trouble, or break the law.”
Anyone with information about crime can contact Cheshire Police on: 01244 350 000, or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on: 0800 555 111.
Dogs rescued from
blazing house
by staff reporter
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FIREFIGHTERS rescued two dogs after fire broke out at a house at Latchford, Warrington, during the night.
The animals were trapped in the house in Reynolds Street after the occupants fled the blaze in the living room.
Fire crews wore breathing apparatus to tackle the outbreak, with destroyed a television set and caused heavy smoke damage throughout the house.
No-one was hurt and the cause of the fire is still under investigation.
MP drops in to see
child safety event
by staff reporter
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WARRINGTON North MP Helen Jones is attending the Sure Start Warrington North Child Safety event at the Radley Common Centre today.
The event is bringing together children aged 0-4 and their parents and carers to raise the levels of safety awareness. Carers will be able to book directly on to first aid courses, check if their car seat is fitted correctly, see a chip pan fire, and discuss health issues in relation to themselves and their children.
Children will be able to take part in road safety sessions with the road safety unit and there will also be a fire engine, police car and ambulance in attendance.
In May, the MP called on the Prime Minister to ensure such projects be extended to cover all of Warrington.
She said: “I fought long and hard to secure a Sure Start project for Warrington North and to see it in action will be marvellous. I look forward to meeting the children and the parents at what I am sure will be a well attended and informative event. Not all parents in my constituency have access to such facilities and I will continue to press for an expansion in provision so that all Warrington children can be given the best possible start in life.”
Helen Jones will also be visiting St Margaret’s CE Primary School, Orford to congratulate them on being awarded the prestigious Basic Skills Agency ‘Primary Quality Mark’.
News in brief
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Hospital lottery
WINNING numbers in the lottery run by the League of Friends of Warrington Hospital were 2, 6, 9 and 14. There was one winner for the ?378 jackpot and the ?25 consolation prize was won by L Cartledge.
Bungalow refused
PLANNING bosses have thrown out proposals for a detached dormer bungalow in Sunningdale Close, Burtonwood, Warrington.
Restaurant plan
OUTLINE proposals for a two storey office building, restaurant and associated car parking in Wilderspool Causeway, Warrington, were approved by borough planners.
Homes plan
WARRINGTON-based Briden Construction are seeking outline planning consent for five replacement dwellings on land in Manchester Road, Woolston, Warrington.
