Green light for club
revival proposal
by David Skentelbery
PLANNING chiefs at Warrington have given the green light to a scheme that will enable much-needed funds to be pumped into a long established sports club.
But the scheme split the local community living near the Eagle Sports Club, in Thornton Road, Great Sankey.
The majority were totally opposed to the scheme – but others supported it wholeheartedly.
Warrington’s development control committee approved plans for four detached houses and two detached garages on land adjoining the club.
Applicants Unique Living Ltd said money raised by the development would be used to carry out a thorough internal and external refurbishment of the clubhouse, renew worn out parking areas and provide improved access for the disabled.
A dilapidated bowling green would be renovated over a period of 2-3 years to provide a facility suitable for competitive matches. A bowling pavilion would also be provided – subject to a separate planning consent.
A new brick wall – also requiring separate planning permission – could be built to screen the club premises from nearby houses.
Objectors warned of traffic problems, noise, loss of trees, loss of privacy and other problems.
Local councillor Joe Holman (pictured) opposed the scheme.
He said: “I support all the residents’ objections. Thornton Road is already congested during peak hours and the situation can only get worse.
“Parking is difficult on Freckleton Close and a potential delay for emergency vehicles.
But supporters of the scheme said the development would remove an eyesore site which attracted gangs of youths drinking late at night.
Police hunt for
sex attacker
by John Hendon
POLICE at Warrington are searching for a man who attacked and indecently assaulted a woman as she walked home in the early hours of the morning.
The 19-year-old was walking across Wilderspool Bridge, Warrington at about 3am when she was approached from behind, grabbed and indecently assaulted. She was unhurt but badly shocked.
Her attacker was about 5ft 8 inches tall, of stocky build with broad shoulders and was thought to be in his mid-30s. He wore a blue, hooded top and spoke with a local accent.
Afterwards, he ran off.
Police are appealing for help from the public. Anyone who witnessed the incident or who recognises the offender from the description or an e-fit picture prepared by the police is asked to call PC Emma Horridge on 01244 613887.
Innovative scheme will
save council money
by John Hendon
TOWN Hall bosses in Warrington are being urged to continue using the innovative “slipper” system to replace street lamps across the borough – saving about ?170 per installation on average.
A report to be considered by members of the borough council’s Strategic Policy Overview Committee advisory group suggests that there are about 2,000 existing street lamps suitable for replacement by the system.
The “slipper” system involves placing a new outer casing around the old lamp standard.
Not all lamp posts are suitable for the system – but where they are the saving of ?170 is possible when compared with the conventional replacement method.
A trial scheme has been underway for some time during which 74 lighting columns were replaced in various parts of the borough.
In addition to cost savings, the slipper system is quicker – replacement of a lighting column being completed in 1-2 hours – results in no highway excavations and reduces the number of visits to the site.
A chance to see
inside “the nick”
by staff reporter
MEMBERS of the public at Warrington are being invited to see what it’s like “in the nick” next month.
A family open day is being held at Warrington Police Station when all aspects of police work will be on show.
Refreshments will be on sale in “The Bill” canteen, police dogs will be going through their paces, police equipment can be examined and there will be displays on speed enforcement, cars and motorcycles.
Visitors will be able to see the cells, exhibits from the police museum and live pictures transmitted from the police ‘plane.
Radio General will have an outside broadcast unit there, broadcasting live to Warrington Hospital.
The open day will be on Sunday, September 19 from 10am to 4pm.
Store blaze
by staff reporter
FIRE crews were called to the DFS furniture store in Mersey Street, Warrington, during the night when fire broke out.
The blaze caused extensive smoke damage in a warehouse area and is believed to have been caused by an electrical fault. Firefighters managed to contain the fire and prevent serious damage.
But the store was left without power and it was not clear if it would open today (Saturday).
A spokesman said it was hoped to restore power supplies to enable the store to open before the morning was out.
News in brief
Rape charge
AN 18-year-old man has appeared before magistrates at Warrington charged with rape.
He was remanded in custody after being charged with the rape of a 19-year-old woman from Orford, Warrington, in her own home in the early hours of Saturday, August 7.
Hospital lottery
WINNING numbers in the weekly lottery run by the League of Friends of Warrington Hospital were 4, 5, 10 and 12. There was no winner for the ?774 jackpot which will be rolled over to become ?1,000 next week. The ?25 consolation prize was won by Mr London.
Police parking
WARRINGTON Borough Council proposes to make orders to introduce parking places marked for police vehicles only in Grappenhall Road, Stockton Heath, near the police station and in Lovely Lane, Warrington, near Warrington Hospital.
Balcony refused
PLANS for a first floor balcony at the rear of a house in Bourchier Way, Warrington have been thrown out by borough council planners.
