posted 12-08-2004 08:26
Nicola murder: man
taken into custody
by David Skentelbery
A MAN found lying seriously injured near the body of his murdered girl friend has been released from hospital – only to be immediately taken into police custody.
The 62-year-old is now being questioned by detectives investigating the death of 33-year-old mother-of-one Nicola Briggs, of Budworth Avenue, Latchford, Warrington.
He was found at Mrs Briggs’ home with throat and wrist injuries. The woman’s body was also found at the house where, it is believed, the couple had lived for at least five years.
The man, who has been in hospital – first at Warrington and later at Whiston Hospital, on Merseyside, has not been named by police. He has been in hospital since July 27.
Mrs Briggs had been stabbed and a knife was found in the house.
She had had part time jobs in a corner shop at Lymm and as a barmaid at Warrington Town Football Club.
Police say they are not looking for anyone else in connection with the murder.
Crop triangles – “is
it a Martian invasion?
by Lesley Wilkinson
FIRST it was crop circles, now it’s crop triangles – and the strange markings on the ground are just as much a mystery.
They appeared overnight in a field at Walton, near Warrington – and triggered a crop of “Martian invaders” jokes from the landowners friends.
The five equilateral triangles, each side measuring approximately five yards, have all been precisely carved. They are along one edge of a field and all point directly at the adjacent house.
The owner, who does not want to be identified, said: “We use the land for golf practice. Early one morning I noticed a shadow on the grass and on closer inspection saw the five triangles.
“I’ve seen crop circles in Wales but I never expected to see anything like it on my own land. But I don’t believe in UFO’s so I think it’s some kind of joke.
“They must have been made using a template and a spray – the kind farmers use for killing grass “They must have arrived early to do this as we did not hear anything. It would probably have taken about half an hour to do,” he said.
“Friends have joked that the Martians are coming and have marked it out as a landing strip, but I don’t believe in UFO’s.”
Wardens picked up
394 stray dogs
by John Hendon
DURING the past year Warrington Borough Council’s environmental health wardens – recently featured on Granada TV’s Dirtbusters programme – picked up 394 stray dogs.
Warden Gill Goulden was featured in the programme, illustrating the work of the department and its work with stray dogs.
The department spent more than ?10,500 on vets fees and treatments, during 2003/4. During that time nine dogs were put down because of illness, but the others were either returned to their owners, or re-homed.
The current fee to recover a stray is ?45 if taken back within three days or ?55 if taken back within four to seven days. After that time the dog becomes to property of the council.
Coun Mike Hannon, executive member for community and wellbeing, said: “We are pleased to provide this much needed service, however we encourage all dog owners to act responsibly to reduce the number of stray dogs. By caring properly for your dog you can help reduce dog fouling and the risk of road accidents caused by strays wandering onto the highway.”
Celebrating 60
years of service
by Lesley Wilkinson
A WARRINGTON centre that opened in 1944 to support “girls in difficulties and at risk” celebrates its diamond anniversary on September 14.
St Joseph’s Family Centre, in Museum Street, now offers support to families in need.
The centre originally opened by the Warrington and District Catholic Aid and Rescue Society as a hostel for girls in need. The hostel aspect disappeared in the 1960s.
Today it is a nationally respected contact centre where children can meet absent parents, siblings or other family members in a neutral, safe and friendly environment. Relationship, family and general counselling, is offered.
Help is offered to enable children cope with trauma, loss, pain or grief associated with changes in family circumstances. Courses are offered on issues such as anger management and parenting skills, and help with clothing, food and furniture is offered to families in need.
The centre is currently run by the Poor Servants of the Mother of God, and the director since 1997 has been Sister Mary Whelan. She has worked to “professionalise” the centre, and ensure the 40 volunteers enjoy their work. Current chairman is local businessman Richard Broadbent, whose late uncle Bernard was involved with the centre from the 1930s.
Sister Mary said: “We deal with family life matters because family life matters.”
From 1944 to 1991 the centre was run by the Daughters of the Heart of Mary, the most well-known being Monica Cain, who served the town for almost 40 years. She died at the age of 90, earlier this year.
Play area re-opens
despite vandals
by staff reporter
DESPITE several attacks by vandals, work has now been completed on the Tim Parry Play Area, in Great Sankey, Warrington and it will be officially opened on Saturday August 21.
The site, in Cromdale Way, had been the target of vandals and much of the equipment had to be removed for safety reasons.
Great Sankey Parish Council agreed to refurbish the play area, following representations from former parish councillor Steve Pennington.
The project went out to tender and following public consultation on what people would like in the area, Maple Leaf Design Ltd was appointed.
A parish council spokesman said: “The refurbishment was not without difficulties, as the site was subject to vandal damage on several occasions. The parish council had to resort to hiring a private security firm to guard the site in the evenings to ensure that the work could be done.
“However all is now done and once again the play area is available to the children of the area. There is an area for tots, one for older children, and seating and activities for early teens,” added the spokesman.
The Mayor of Warrington, Coun Ted Lafferty, will open the play area at 2pm.
Pot fair gave
market a boost
by Lesley Wilkinson
A STAFFORDSHIRE Pot Fair, held at Warrington Market in April, was so successful that organisers are hoping to repeat it next year.
The event, held over Easter, helped increase trade at the market by 25 per cent compared to the previous week.
There were 12 stalls set up in the area at the front of the market and Bank Street. All reported good trade during the fair.
A spokesman for Warrington Borough Council said: “Although the weather was often wet and windy, the attendance was excellent. Some opinions suggested that the poor weather stopped customers going to the seaside and encouraged them into Warrington town centre instead.”
Organisers said the event received good publicity both locally and in national trade magazines, which they say helped promote the market.
The council is to look at holding further outdoor events at the market, possibly featuring existing traders.
A dog is
for life
by staff reporter
AN EARLY warning that people thinking about buying dogs as Christmas gifts should think carefully about the animal’s welfare has been issued this week.
This year Dogs Trust, the UK’s largest dog welfare charity, are reminding Warrington people of their slogan, “A dog is for life….not just for Christmas.”
The charity says on average one dog every hour is put to sleep by the local authorities as their owners cannot be traced or new homes found for them. They urge owners to act responsibly by neutering and microchipping their dogs, so helping prevent strays.
Further information is available by telephoning the cha
rity on 020 7836 0006 or from the website on www.dogstrust.org.uk
