Villagers win battle
to halt flats plan
by David Skentelbery
VILLAGERS have won a battle to block plans for a three-storey block of flats overshadowing a historic pub at Glazebury, near Warrington.
More than 70 people opposed the scheme put forward by the Harlor Group for land next to the Chat Moss public house in Warrington Road.
Culcheth and Glazebury Parish Council also opposed the scheme, which would involve the demolition of a pair of semi-detached bungalows.
Parish councillor Delia Caswell told Warrington’s development control committee there were strong objections to the development in the village.
An earlier proposal had been for 24 flats and although the number had now been reduced to 15, the height of the proposed building remain three storeys. This was not appropriate in a village made up of Victorian ribbon development.
Although the Chat Moss pub was of three storeys, the top floor had been the booking office for the old Glazebury railway station and it was essential the building was not dominated by the new development.
The flats would bring additional traffic to an already busy road.
Residents’ spokesman John Emmison said the site had open views over the Green Belt and the proposed apartment block would be completely out of character because of its height, size and overall appearance. Warrington had sufficient housing land, he added.
He drew attention to a council document in which a planning officer had said the site was only suitable for a “like for like” replacement building Developers’ spokesman Richard Percy said consultation had taken place with residents and the overall impact of the scheme reduced to take account of local opinion.
Coun Les Hoyle said a three-storey building was not suitable for the site. Because the level of the land was high it would be overbearing and out of character. The committee voted unanimously to refuse permission.
Tap dancers step up
for free flu jabs
by Lesley Wilkinson
TWO tap-dancing pensioners from Orford have been among the first in Warrington to receive the free flu jabs, as they do their best to stay healthy through the winter.
Joan Devereux and June Kindon both practice dancing regularly at the Age Concern Centre in Wycliffe Church, Warrington, and take part in shows with the Co-operative Amateur Theatrical Society.
Warrington Primary Care Trust says that flu causes a series risk to health, especially among the elderly and is encouraging people to take advantage of free immunisation.
Joan, 65, said: “I like to keep fit and healthy. I swim and walk as well as my tap dancing and it seems only sensible to reduce the risk of serious illness by having a quick flu jab. I’ve had no side effects and would recommend it to anyone.”
June, 66, added: “I’d far rather have a flu jab than run the risk of getting flu and the possible complications that it can cause, such as pneumonia. Flu can knock you out of action for several weeks when you are older and I wouldn’t like to miss out on my activities.”
June is a keen amateur artist. Both women also do voluntary work – Joan at St Andrews Church charity shop, and June for the witness service in the magistrates’ court. Both also volunteer at Age Concern.
Kerry Broadhead, health improvement lead for older people at the trust, said: “Vaccination against flu is such an important and simple measure which everyone should take if they are over 65 or have a serious medical condition that puts them at risk of complications should they catch flu.
“These conditions include lung, heart or kidney disease, diabetes mellitus and lowered immunity. People who live in a nursing, residential or long stay home are also eligible for free flu vaccinations,” she added.
Kerry said that the recent delay in supply of flu vaccine experienced by some practices has now been resolved and that it is now available at all GPs in Warrington.
Anyone interested in immunisation should contact their GP’s practice, ring NHS Direct on 0845 4647 or visit its website at www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk
Police breakthrough
in burglary battle
by David Skentelbery
POLICE are claiming a major breakthrough in the fight to stop house burglaries – but Warrington remains one of Cheshire’s hotspots for this type of crime.
Following the introduction of the Cheshire Police “Safer Homes” initiative in April, 1,156 fewer homes have been burgled in the county, compared to the same period last year.
There were 308 domestic burglaries across the county last month – 69 of them in Warrington, second only to Chester and Ellesmere Port which suffered 77.
Fighting burglary is one of Cheshire Police’s priorities and Safer Homes brings together a package of measures aimed at raising awareness among householders.
Police say it is more than a police campaign, at the heart of it, is the focus on how the police care for victims of burglary, their neighbours, and the community and how by working together burglary can be reduced across the county.
The campaign paying dividends with a month on month decrease in the amount of burglaries being committed and a rise in the number of burglars being put before the courts.
Assistant Chief Constable Graeme Gerrard said: “The majority of burglars are not sophisticated experts but opportunists who take advantage of householders who are still under the misapprehension that ‘it won’t happen to me’. Everyone needs to be mindfull about the security of their own homes.
“Often the simplest measures can be the most effective in making life difficult for burglars and the Safer Homes initiative really hammers home that message.”
A total of 2,357 domestic burglaries were recorded in Cheshire during the period April to October, compared with 3,513 during the same period last year.
MP gives backing
to Will Aid scheme
by Lesley Wilkinson
PEOPLE in Warrington are being urged to make a will and so ensure that their loved ones inherit their property.
And Warrington North MP Helen Jones is urging people to use the Will Aid scheme running this month – so they raise funds for charity at the same time.
A survey by Lightspeed Research for the project showed that only 24 per cent of people aged 25-44, and just over 50 per cent of those aged 45-64 have an up-to-date will.
Ms Jones (pictured)said: “It is quite astonishing how few people have an up-to-date will and so are risking their loved one’s financial security. People who live together without being married have no automatic right to inherit if there is no will, no matter how long or stable the relationship.
“Even married people can only automatically inherit up to a certain financial limits laid down in law and may end up having to sell off the family home to pay off other relatives,” she added.
She said Will Aid gives people the opportunity to put their affairs in order. Solicitors working for the project will draw up a basic will free of charge in return for a donation to Will Aid of ?65 for a single will, ?95 for a pair of wills or ?35 for a codicil to an existing will.
Since it was launched in 1998, the project has raised more than ?4 million in donations and much more in legacies. Donations are distributed among participating charities (Action Aid, British Red Cross, Christian Aid, Help the Aged, NSPCC, Save the Children UK and Sight Savers International).
Ms Jones said: ” Writing your will is the only way to influence who will inherit your money and possessions. It is something every adult should do. The powerful thing about Will Aid is that it also enables you, at no extra cost, to help improve the lives of many other people both here and overseas.”
The Will Aid scheme runs every two years. Anyone interested can phone 0870 6060239 to find a participating solicitor.
Safety checks at
pensioner’s homes
by John Hendo
n
FREE safety checks are being carried out in elderly people’s homes in Warrington to help reduce potential hazards that put them at risk of a slip, trip or fall.
The home-safety check scheme, organised by Warrington Primary Care Trust Falls Prevention Service, will also include the fitting of two free smoke detectors and planning escape routes in case of fire.
The service, which aims to reduce the number of injuries to older people, is being run in partnership with Warrington Age Concern, Cheshire Fire Service and Warrington Social Services.
If needed, older people will be referred to social services for an occupational therapy assessment for possible disability aids or adaptations to help reduce their risk – such as a second banister rail or a grab rail to help get into the house.
Carole Rowlinson trust falls co-ordinator said: “There is a huge problem with falls nationally because we are living longer and there are increasing numbers of older frailer people. We hope the home-safety check will help reduce the risk of falling in older people.”
Eighty-years-old Mary Brimelow, of Great Sankey, who has suffered three falls, is having a home safety check and takes part in the scheme’s exercise programme.
She said: “The service is brilliant. I’m hoping to get stronger through exercise.”
Since the service launched in April 108 older people have benefited from the scheme. A pilot study showed 40 people aged over 75 had improved mobility and confidence following a chair-based exercise programme and postural stability classes.
The trust advises older people to keep active by walking, housework and gardening, to keep muscles and balance and so prevent falls. They also advise people to ensure their eyes are tested, and to switch on lights when it starts to get dark.
Older people are also advised to ensure their medicines are not making them dizzy and to have their feet checked to ensure problems are not increasing the risk of a fall. Workers also advise people to eat a healthy died and take their time getting out of bed or a chair, to ensure blood pressure is not reduced.
Two charged
with wounding
by court reporter
TWO Warrington men have been charged with wounding following an incident last week when a 31-year-old man was attacked in Marshall’s Gardens, near Bridge Foot.
The pair, aged 28 and 19 respectively, appeared before Warrington Magistrates and were remanded in custody until Friday (November 12).
The victim, also believed to be from Warrington, was taken to hospital where he remains with serious injuries.
Coach wanted for
women’s RL team
WARRINGTON Wolves Ladies Rugby League team is looking for a head coach – who must be club coach qualified.
Training takes place every Thursday, from 8-9pm at Victoria Park, Warrington and match days are Sunday afternoons.
Anyone interested should contact Jane Banks at Wolves on 01925 248880 or email [email protected]
