Parr Hall “heading
for closure” – claim
by David Skentelbery
WARRINGTON’S top concert venue, the historic Parr Hall, could be heading for closure, the borough council has been warned.
Members of the opposition Liberal Democrat group have accused the controlling Labour group of allowing the hall to run into financial difficulties through under investment over a period of many years.
Liberal Democrat leader Coun Ian Marks said: “We are very worried that the Parr Hall will go the same way as the Legh Street baths, with ultimate closure.
“We believe a prosperous and successful town like Warrington needs a vibrant entertainment venue and theatre.”
Coun Marks was commenting on a recommendation by the council’s watchdog group, the scrutiny committee, which, he said, was effectively to sit back and only carry out essential repairs.
He said: “The council has got itself into a bit of a mess over the Parr Hall which is costing us ?800,000 a year.
“Labour is just waiting for something to turn up, but it won’t. The scrutiny report admits that it’s not clear whether it is cheaper in the long run to adopt this option or invest in the Hall. The council needs more financial information before it makes a final decision.”
Another Liberal Democrat, Coun Alan Litton added, “Members of the scrutiny committee were confused by the lack of information. More to the point, members of the public turned up on two occasions expecting a debate on the Parr Hall and our complex procedures didn’t allow this to happen. This is most disappointing because our electorate have a right to expect open debate.”
Coun Brian Axcell, Liberal Democrat, called for technical information of the structural integrity of the Parr Hall, in view of the fact it was more than 100-years-old and, apparently, was built on a high water table.
But executive board member Coun John Morris said the Liberal Democrats figures were factually incorrect. The figure of ?800,000 referred to all the council’s leisure services and not just to the Parr Hall.
The issue of the Parr Hall would be considered carefully before any final decisions were made.
A report considered by the scrutiny committee revealed that much of the equipment at the hall was outdated and, in some instances, would not meet new health and safety legislation. An increasing number of performers and companies will not use the hall because it does not meet their needs.
In addition, the hall was facing increasing competition from out-of-town venues, particularly Liverpool and Manchester.
Don’t buy from rogue
street traders – warning
by John Hendon
SHOPPERS are being urged not to buy cheap DVDs from rogue traders wandering around the borough’s streets.
Illegal sales of DVDs in Warrington are rife at present and gangs are targeting people right across the town.
Trading Standards chiefs have clamped down on a number of culprits – but keeping on top of the problem is proving to be a never-ending task.
Coun Mike Hannon, the borough council’s executive member for Community and Wellbeing, said: “Illegal DVD sellers are not hard to spot. They are usually peddling very poor quality copies of DVDs to people on the streets, in shops or in pubs from rucksacks. This is a national problem and a major issue for us in Warrington.
“There appears to be a link between these sellers and organised crime. Many sellers are working for people who traffic people into the country.
“It is absolutely vital we do everything we can to combat this problem. But we cannot do anything while there is a market to sell to.”
Former Mayor’s gift
for youngsters
by Gary Skentelbery
MONEY raised by former Mayor Pauline Nelson during her year of office has provided a boost for youngsters at Warrington Hospital.
Pauline donated ?500 from her 12-19 Mayoral charity fund to purchase games and books to entertain youngsters during their stay in hospital.
The Hospital league of Friends, who helped purchase the items, chipped in with a donation of ?122 towards the gifts.
Youngsters gear up
for national final
by staff reporter
YOUNGSTERS from Great Sankey High School, Warrington, are through to the national finals of a competition, to find the young entrepreneurs of the future.
The Lionheart Challenge, sponsored by the Learning and Skills Council, aims to raise the business awareness of pupils and provide an experience of enterprise, where they can develop skills and knowledge.
A team of eight pupils from Great Sankey High school won the regional heat of the competition, in Liverpool and will now go on to national finals, which will take place on November 16th at the Palace of Westminster.
Working with local businesspeople as facilitators, the youngsters had to come up with an innovative business idea. They drew upon a panel of business experts as mentors and each team then had to produce a business plan and make a formal presentation to a panel of judges.
Youngsters from Great Sankey High from Years 10 and 11, came up with the idea of a self sufficient village, tackling issues such as food production, recycling, wildlife management and people’s health.
Great Sankey is a specialist engineering college. Assistant Head Teacher and Director of Engineering, Margaret Harwood, says:”We were really lucky because our business expert at the regional heat was someone from Costain, the building company. The school is involved in Costain’s Building Awareness Programme – which helps students with career opportunities in construction and civil engineering”.
The Lionheart Challenge is part of the LSC’s Enterprise Week (15-21 November) which aims to inspire an enterprising culture among young people.
Baby unit fundraiser
is in safe hands
by staff reporter
WARRINGTON Hospital’s Special Care Baby Unit (SCBU) will be in safe hands during this year’s big fundraiser – thanks to Manchester United goalkeeper Roy Carroll.
Premier goalkeeper Roy has donated a signed shirt to be auctioned in next month, to boost the funds of SCBU, which may just provide someone with a very unique Christmas gift.
As well as the shirt auction, staff at SCBU are organising their annual balloon race and are hoping that mums and dads whose babies have been treated in the past, will come forward to help sell the balloon tickets.
This year, organisers are concentrating on making improvements to the parent’s room and the breastfeeding facilities, and are also looking for ideas and suggestions from past patients and their families as to what changes could be undertaken.
Balloon tickets need to be returned before December 20, with the race due to take place on January 7, and the lucky winner of the ?100 first prize for the farthest travelled balloon to be announced on February 18
The annual balloon race has been organised by staff at SCBU for many years and has helped to raise thousands of pounds for new equipment and better facilities both for babies and their parents.
Staff care for approximately 250 babies each year, some of them critically ill. Many have been born prematurely while others are new born babies with infections or breathing problems.
Organiser Debbie Yates said: “We really need to hear from any parents who can help us with selling our balloon tickets – and get their ideas on how we can improve the breastfeeding facilities and parents accommodation.”
“We hope to raise lots of money through the balloon race and we are very grateful to Roy for donating the signed shirt – hopefully there are lots of Man United supporters out there who will bid for it and help us raise lots of money for the unit.”
Anyone interested in bidding for Roy Carroll’s shirt or helping to sell balloon tickets should contact Debbie Yates or Jo Pritchard at the unit on 01925 662278.
Illegal parking caused
“near fatal” accident
by Lesley Wilkins
on
CARS parking illegally on London Road, Stockton Heath, caused a “near fatal accident” the parish council heard.
Coun Olive Stephens said: “There was a near fatal accident opposite East Avenue not long ago as a result of someone parking near the video shop. It was a very serious accident.”
Coun Alan Loughlin told members he had recently attended a meeting of the Police Forum in Warrington and told police officers about the London Road parking problems.
He said the kerb outside Sainsbury’s was lowered, dating back the time when the site was occupied by a roofing contractor.
“The kerb is lowered, so drivers see this as an open invitation to drive onto the pavement. People often almost get run over as cars pull onto the pavement,” he said.
Members agreed to write to Warrington Borough Council to ask them to reinstate the kerb.
Tree pruning
“years behind”
by Lesley Wilkinson
WARRINGTON Borough Council’s tree pruning scheme is “years” behind schedule, Stockton Heath Parish Council heard.
Coun Peter Walker told members that he had requested that trees along Grappenhall Road be pruned and tidied.
“The borough council agreed the work was needed, but staff shortages mean they are years behind schedule.”
Members reported several spots where trees needed pruning or care. They are to contact the borough council to see whether work can be scheduled.
