Developers win battle
of the “Mansion House”
by David Skentelbery
DEVELOPERS Redrow Homes have won a long-running battle to build 36 homes on land off Wigshaw Lane and Hob Hey Lane, Culcheth, near Warrington – including a three-storey apartment block known as the “Mansion House.”
The inspector who conducted a second public inquiry into the scheme, Mr R.A. Sexton, allowed an appeal by the developers and said he could not go along with the view of his predecessor at the first inquiry that the Mansion House would have a “looming bulk.”
He said the building had been reduced to three-storeys, instead of four, and that views of it would be obscured by trees – even in winter.
The mansion house would, he said, be set back well within the site and would be less prominent than the roundabout and access to the site.
Jackie Johnson, secretary of the Warrington branch of CPRE, one of the leading objectors, expressed disappointment at the outcome of the inquiry and described it as a “missed opportunity” for Redrow Homes and for Culcheth.
If the developers had been prepared to consult residents more fully, a development could have been accepted that would have fitted in better in the village scene.
She said: “There was no pre-consultation with residents of the type envisaged in Warrington’s Unitary Development Plan.”
Coun Keith Bland added: “I am bitterly disappointed. This is another case of developers, backed by big money, running roughshod over local people.
“I am very disillusioned with the planning system. We are getting these unsuitable three-storey developments all over the place.
“This piece of land needed re-development – there was no argument about that. But not like this. We are left feeling that no-one in authority is listening to us.”
The inspector who conducted the second inquiry pointed out that the principle of development had been established by the first hearing. Highways objections and the loss of trees were also dismissed as reasons for refusal. The main outstanding issue was the Mansion House.
Changes had been made, the height reduced by 3.5 metres and dormer windows removed from within the roof. He believed this would significantly improve the appearance of the building which would not look out of place within the overall development.
St John cadet commended
by Princess Royal
A 16-year-old St John Ambulance cadet from Warrington has met The Princess Royal at a special ceremony at Buckingham Palace.
Daniel Wilkinson was one of more than 40 young volunteer members of St John commended for outstanding work in various parts of the country.
Princess Anne is commandant-in-chief of the St John Ambulance Cadets.
Daniel was commended for helping a young girl who had been knocked down by a car.
At the scene of the accident, he ‘phoned for an ambulance and requested a First Aid kit. The young girl had suffered a head wound and Daniel applied pressure to control the blood loss. He remained calm throughout, reassuring the girl and the car driver and gathered information to give to the paramedics when they arrived.
The young girl was then taken to hospital and received five stitches to her head wound.
Catherine Craze, chief executive officer of St John Ambulance, Cheshire said: “The reception at Buckingham Palace formally recognised the determination and commitment these young people have. Meeting The Princess Royal is a great honour and for these members is very well deserved.”
Body found near
motorway link road
by David Skentelbery
A BODY has been found near a motorway link road at Warrington.
Police have not revealed whether it is a man or woman, but the body was found at the side of the A574 Winwick Link to the M6. It appears to have been there for some time.
Today, a post mortem examination is being held to assist in identification and to establish the cause of death.
A police spokeswoman said a person had been reported missing locally and the clothing found on the body was similar to that the missing person was believed to have been wearing.
The family of the missing person have been contacted and informed of the situation.
Anyone who has seen anything unusual in the vicinity of the link road is asked to call Warrington Police on 01925 652222.
Pianist Nicola plays
to capacity audience
by our correspondent
YOUNG international pianist Nicola Eimer has given a recital at Warrington’s Walton Hall to a capacity audience.
A Tillet Trust sponsorship enabled Nicola to play a varied programme of piano music.
The recital started with Haydn’s sonata in E flat where Nicola carefully realised the required delicate phrasing.
Two works by Chopin (Polonaise-Fantasie and Mazurka in C sharp minor) – both demanding pieces – were given bravura performances, in contrast to three introspective intermezzi by Brahms.
The concert ended with Debussy’s suite “Pour le Piano”. Nicola’s full grasp of the composer’s style brought the evening to a rousing conclusion.
The next meeting of the Friends of Walton Hall will be on December 5 at 7.30pm and will be a Christmas party with entertainment.
High school wins
national award
by John Hendon
A WARRINGTON school will be presented with a pretigious award at one of the largest events in the education calendar next week.
Birchwood High School will collect the EPC Award at the Specialist Schools Trust’s 12th annual national conference.
The award is given to the school which demonstrates the most positive whole-school approach to the full range of learning resources including books and ICT.
Birchwood has successfully combined extensive library and IT facilities, all of which have been made widely available for community use – the school’s work in this area has even been commended by the Department for Education and Science.
Local residents seeking to borrow a book also get the opportunity to learn web surfing skills alongside students.
Elizabeth Reid, chief executive of the Specialist Schools Trust said: “This is a remarkable achievement and we would also like to thank EPC, the award sponsor, for helping us to recognise the school’s hard-work and commitment.”
Security guard robbed
at shopping centre
by staff reporter
A SECURITY guard was attacked and robbed near his cash-in-transit van near Warrington’s Birchwood shopping centre.
The offender snatched a cash box from the man as he was walking towards his van – and made off in a blue vehicle.
Police are appealing for witnesses of the incident.
They say the raider was in his mid-20s, of stocky build and wearing dark clothing.
Anyone with information for the police should call Det Sgt Debbie Dodd on 01244 613836.
Police hunt driver
who failed to stop
by David Skentelbery
POLICE are hunting a hit-and-run motorist who failed to stop after his car was in collision with a pedal cyclist in Sankey Way, Warrington.
The accident – reported in Warrington-Worldwide yesterday – led to Sankey Way being closed between its junction with Cromwell Avenue and the Sankey Green roundabout for more than two hours.
Hundreds of commuters were made late for work as huge tailbacks built up.
The pedal cyclist, a 59-year-old man from Widnes, was thrown from his machine by the collision and suffered serious head injuries.
He was taken to Warrington Hospital by ambulance but later transferred to the neurological unit at Walton Hospital in Liverpool. His condition was stated to be “poorly.”
Police said the car involved was a small hatchback which failed to stop and continued on its way towards Warrington.
Witnesses, or anyone else who has information, is asked to contact Sgt Mike Jones on 01244 613813.
