Schoolchildren urged
to “fight the flab”
by Terry Johnson
SCHOOLCHILDREN across Warrington are being urged to fight the flab with a fitness-boosting ‘Walk on Wednesday’ campaign.
Health chiefs say parents who agree to ‘dump the car’ will be investing in their children’s fitness and mental alertness.
A dual benefit will be to cut the traffic congestion, accident risk and vehicle pollution which result from the busy ‘school run’.
Launch of the ‘Walk on Wednesday’ campaign at Woolston CE Primary received overwhelming support.
Head teacher, Gareth Jones, said: “Nearly all the school took part. Reduction in congestion and parking outside the school was most noticeable.
“Many parents said they had enjoyed the walk-to-school experience”.
Pupils are arriving at school fresher, fitter and more alert.
Education spokeswoman, Coun Maureen Banner, said: “If more families are able to walk to school occasionally, then communities will reap environmental and health benefits.”
She added: “We are to encourage more parents and their children to take responsibility for their fitness and for the damage their cars can cause the environment”.
US music award for
songwriter Chris
by Terry Johnson
WARRINGTON songwriter, Chris Braide, whose lyrics helped launch the spectacular rise of Pop Idols’ Will Young, has won a top composer’s award in America.
Chris, from Longbarn, co-wrote Will Young’s smash hit, ‘Anything is Possible’ and American Idol runner-up, Clay Aiken’s ‘This is the Night’.
His latest award from the American Society of Composers and Publishers is for the song, ‘Invisible’, which he initially co-wrote with Desmond Childs for the group, Deeside.
Said Chris’s proud dad, Ken: “This latest ASCAP award is like an ‘Ivor’ – American version, awarded for the most performed work in America. Not bad for a Warrington lad!”
Former Woolston High School student Chris has had some striking composing successes, including the Children in Need No. 1, ‘Have You Ever’ performed by Steps.
His input to the ‘Anything is Possible’ song helped underpin Will Young’s stardom leap.
Singer-songwriter Chris plays the guitar and piano and also has his own rock and pop band, ‘Braide’.
He has worked on material for a Kylie Minogue album and for R and B singer, Beverley Knight.
Benefits service
awarded top marks
by John Hendon
GOVERNMENT inspectors have awarded Warrington Borough Council full marks for its benefits service.
The service, which administers housing and Council Tax benefit, was recently inspected as part of the National Comprehensive Performance Assessment Program and was awarded four out of four on the Audit commissions score card.
The inspectors, from the Benefits Fraud Inspectorate, acknowledged the improvements that the service had made in the last 12 months, and made particular reference to the way the council had successfully implemented the governments anti-fraud initiative, ‘The Verification Framework’, without this major change affecting service delivery.
Coun John Morris, executive member for resources and performance, said: “This is good news for the council. Housing and Council Tax benefit provide support to many of the poorest and most vulnerable members of the community. This result shows the quality of the service we are providing in this most important area and is a tribute to the hard work and professionalism of the staff.”
Yvonne Bottomley, acting strategic director of resources, said: “This assessment recognises the hard work that has gone into improving the service over the last few years. It is important that the council looks after the well being of vulnerable members in our community and those in genuine need.
“This high score for Warrington’s benefits service shows that the council achieve this and delivers it to a very high standard.”
Club attack victim
“stable” in hospital
by David Skentelbery
A MAN is in hospital with head injuries after being attacked and knocked unconscious outside Mr Smith’s Club at Warrington.
The assault took place in the early hours of Wednesday morning but the victim, a 19-year-old from Liverpool, was only admitted to hospital on Friday.
Police said it was understood there was trouble inside the club in the early hours of Wednesday which resulted in a number of youths being ejected.
Outside the club the victim was attacked and knocked unconscious. He was taken to Warrington Hospital with head injuries but later discharged himself.
However, he was taken to the Royal Liverpool Hospital on Friday and was detained. He is said to be in a “stable” condition.
Police are anxious to talk to anyone who witnessed the attack outside the club or has knowledge about the earlier incident inside. Anyone who can help should call Det Sgt Chris Barrow or Det Sgt Colin Taylor at Warrington CID on 01244 613831.
Floral show for
historic hall
by staff reporter
HISTORIC mansion, Arley Hall, near Warrington – voted one of Europe’s top-50 gardens – is to stage a Christmas floral extravaganza from December 3-12.
Design director, Ian Lloyd, and members of the Cheshire area of NAFAS who will decorate the hall, will chat with visitors who can enjoy festive music and mulled wine, a candlelight and carols event, gifts and crafts.
Tickets are now on sale at ?15 from 01565-777353 or visit www.arleyhallandgardens.com
Crime fight
POLICE are going to the heart of the community of Penketh, near Warrington to advise on protecting against crime.
A drop-in session at Penketh Library on November 11, from 2.00-4.00pm, will give people across Warrington the chance to discuss home security and personal safety issues with Cheshire Police officers.
News in brief
Hospital lottery
WINNING numbers in the weekly lottery run by the League of Friends of Warrington Hospital were 5, 6, 7 and 13. There was no winner for the ?200 jackpot which means next week’s top prize will be ?400. The ?25 consolation prize went to Mr N Webb.
Phones mast
PLANS have been approved for a 60ft high telecommunications mast with four antennae, two dishes and equipment cabinets on land off Slutcher’s Lane, Warrington.
Day nursery
PLANNING chiefs have given the go-ahead for a storage shed for at the Safehands Day Nursery in Hollins Drive, Winwick, Warrington.
Cash machine
TECHNICAL Solutions Brecks Ltd are seeking planning consent for a cash machine at the Shell filling station in Higher Lane, Lymm near Warrington.
Sandwich bar
PLANS for a sandwich bar and cafe bar serving hot and cold foods in Westy Lane, Warrington have been submitted to the borough council.
