New council chief will
be in-house appointment
by David Skentelbery
————————————————-MORE than a year after launching a search for a new chief executive, council bosses at Warrington have decided to make an in-house appointment.
The leaders of the three political groups on the borough council, after a private meeting to agree a procedure for filling the vacant post, decided to seek applications from existing employees.
In a joint statement, council leader John Joyce (Labour), Liberal Democrat leader Ian Marks and Conservative leader Keith Bland said: “We’ve agreed that the post will be filled by seeking applications from officers who are already employed by the council.
“We are confident that this will be a successful way of taking the council through the next stages of its development.”
The council launched its search for a new chief early last summer when Steven Broomhead resigned to take up the post of chief executive with the North West Development Agency.
Four candidates were shortlisted in July – but no appointment was made.
In November a further six candidates were shortlisted – but again no appointment was made.
In the meantime, acting chief executive Bernice Law quit to follow Mr Broomhead to the NWDA.
Since then, Social Services director David Whitehead has been acting as interim chief executive.
The political leaders’ joint statement indicated that the new chief executive would probably be appointed for a fixed term of two or three years.
They added: “The focus will be to complete the modernisation of the council, which is already underway and all three parties have agreed to. We are aiming to complete the appointment by the end of August.”
Cash boost for Wolves
by staff reporter
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A PROPERTY developer has pledged to give 10 per cent of total sales on a ?2.1 million block of 12 retirement apartments to Warrington Wolves RL Club.
Lifelong fan Robert Foden will donate the money when he sells the recently completed apartments in Whitefield Road, Stockton Heath.
Mr Foden, 43, said: “I have always been interested in Warrington Rugby League but I grew even more interested when the club moved from the beloved, but out-of-date Wilderspool ground to the fantastic new Halliwell Jones Stadium.
“I decided I wanted to give something back to the club.
“Supporters can help as well – the quicker the apartments are sold the quicker the money can be used to sponsor the squad.
“If your Mum, Dad or friend wants to move, why not let some of their money be used to strengthen our squad.”
Wolves’ commercial manager Julie Cleave commented: “This is a unique opportunity on offer to the fans and the club and it means a lot to have a local businessman give back to the Wolves.
“This season in our new home, The Halliwell Jones Stadium, has been phenomenal in bringing local businesses on board and Robert Foden’s involvement strengthens our links with the local business community even further.”
Picture shows Robert Foden and coach Paul Cullen with players Mike Wainwright, Paul Noone, John Wilshere, Jerome Guisset, Danny Lima, Mark Hilton, Graham Appo, Lee Briers, Gary Hulse and Nat Wood.
Inquiry date set for
disputed homes plan
by David Skentelbery
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A DATE has been fixed for the public inquiry into the controversial plan to build 36 houses on land off Wigshaw Lane and Hob Hey Lane, Culcheth, near Warrington.
The hearing will be at Warrington Town Hall on October 26 and 27.
Anyone interested in the proposals may attend, personally or through a representative, and may, at the discretion of the inspector, give evidence or give views.
The borough council has pledged to fight the proposals put forward by developers Redrow Homes.
More than 160 local people oppose the scheme, together with Culcheth and Glazebury Parish Council, the Council for the Protection of Rural England and Culcheth and Croft Bridleway Association.
Much of the opposition involves traffic worries, but there are also concerns about the “looming bulk” of a proposed apartment block known as the “Mansion House.” Redrow have reduced this building from four to three storeys, but planners still say it would be an over-dominant feature.
The site involves the wooded grounds of the former home of environmentalist Joseph Lythgoe, a former chairman of the local branch of the CPRE.
He died some years ago and his house now stands empty and boarded-up. But during his lifetime he planted hundreds of trees on his land to add interest to what would otherwise have been a flat, uninspiring landscape.
Many of these trees would have to be felled for the scheme to go ahead – and Mr Lythgoe’s former home, Swinhoe House, would have to be demolished.
Charities invited
to seek grants
by staff reporter
————————————————-
CHARITIES and voluntary groups in Warrington are being invited to apply for cash grants.
Warrington Charities Trust holds it annual meeting on Tuesday, July 27 when it will have ?4,500 to give away to 13 local organisations. The meeting will be held at the Town Hall at 7.30pm.
The Trust is dedicated to helping smaller, under-funded organisations within the borough.
Warrington Charities Trust is also looking to the local business community for financial support.
A spokesman said: “Many local companies donate an annual sum to the Trust in the knowledge that they do not have to decide between the many competing claims for help, but can leave the task to an organisation that has specialist skills in this field.
More details are available on 01925 232113.
A chance to drive
double-deck bus
by Terry Johnson
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MEMBERS of the public get the chance to try their hand driving an articulated lorry, double-decked bus and fire appliance at a Driving Extravaganza in Warrington tomorrow(Sunday).
The event takes place at Warrington Collegiate’s Winwick Road campus, between 12.00-4.00pm.
Organised by the 200-member Warrington Advanced Motorists group, the extravaganza is meant to encourage safer, more proficient driving.
