Monday 6th December 2004

Police crackdown fails
to stop the vandals
by Gary Skentelbery

DESPITE a pioneering police crackdown on crime in a village centre, vandals have again been on the rampage leaving a trail of destruction costings thousands of pounds to repair.
The latest wave of attacks at Culcheth near Warrington, include the local Methodist Church where vandals clambered on to the roof, kicking off roof tiles.
As a result rain flooded the building, damaging new carpets which had just been laid as part of a major improvement scheme to the church. The same evening the phone kiosk on Common Lane opposite CPS was completely trashed, with every pane of glass being smashed.
The cable connecting to the Christmas lights was also cut while an air rifle has been used to damage numerous panes of glass in the village.
Local councillor Keith Bland, said he had heard of at least two dozen incidents of vandalism in the space of just two months.
“It is a real kick in the teeth,” he said.
“People have been working hard to carry out improvements to the Methodist Church and then this happens. People keep making an effort to make things better and then they get kicked in the teeth.”
Coun Bland was so concerned with the latest outbreaks of vandalism he held a meeting with police expressing concern that a groundbreaking Dispersal Order, set up in the village earlier this year, was having little impact.
Divisional Commander, Superintendent Julia Clayton, said: “The Dispersal Order was introduced following public consultation to help crack down on anti-social behaviour and criminal activity in the area.
“The Community Action Team is aware of a number of incidents that have occurred and officers are currently investigating them and collating intelligence with a view to seeking Anti Social Behaviour Orders. We have recently reviewed the effectiveness of the Dispersal Order with Warrington Borough Council and it has significantly reduced the number of incidents reported to police. Since it came into effect in August there has been a 39% decrease in disorder, a 26 per cent decrease in criminal damage and an 11 per cent decrease in crime.
“We will continue to enforce the Dispersal Order and work together with residents by dispersing, or arresting those people who cause anti-social behaviour in the Dispersal Zone.”
Top picture shows Coun Sue Bland, two members of the Methodist Church property committee and Coun Keith Bland. The lower picture shows the Blands at the damaged phone box.

Best of
both worlds!
by Gary Skentelbery

WARRINGTON diners now have the chance to sample the “Best of Both World’s” following the opening of a new restaurant in the town.
Best of Both Worlds has opened under the arches in Crown Street, close to the town centre. It is the brainchild of husband and wife team Lee and Reemah Diaa.
Lee from China and Reemah from India have combined the cultural cuisines of their home countries, giving diners the opportunity to enjoy the “Best of Both Worlds.”
The restaurant is currently only open at lunch time but has plans to open in the evenings in the New Year.
They also provide a breakfast service.

Hospital staff’s big abseil

SIX members of staff from the BUPA North Cheshire Hospital, near Warrington, raised more than ?1,000 when they took part in a 100ft charity abseil.
The event at the Manchester Velodrome national cycling centre, was just one of many arranged by the hospital to mark breast cancer awareness month.
Cake sales, a quiz, a ladies’ evening, raffles, a “wear pink” day and “guess the number of sweets in a jar” contest, all helped the hospital raise a further ?1,263, all of which will be matched pound for pound by BUPA’s Community Connections bringing the final total to more than ?4,500.
General Manager Alison da Silva said: “The enthusiasm shown by the staff has been tremendous. Everyone has been involved in some way. As for the abseilers, I admire their courage and I’m pleased to say they all made it down safely!”
BUPA North Cheshire Hospital provides an accredited rapid access breast clinic. At the one stop clinic patients are seen by a whole range of healthcare professionals who specialise in the diagnosis and subsequent treatment of breast cancer and other diseases which affect the breast.

Pensioners reminded to
claim winter fuel cash
by John Hendon

PENSIONERS aged 70 or more have been given a reminder that they are entitled to an extra ?100 on top of their winter fuel payment this year.
The reminder came from Warrington North MP Helen Jones who expressed concern at the number of old people who miss out on available benefit.
Ms Jones said the winter fuel payments award ?200 to all households with someone more than 60. People over 80 received ?300.
The additional ?100 for those with a pensioner over 70 meant some households would receive ?400.
Pensioners automatically receiving Winter Fuel Payments were receiving information about rebates on Council Tax bills and Ms Jones is urging those who haven’t claimed to do so.
She said: “Up to four out of 10 pensioners miss out on an average cut of over ?400 in their Council Tax bills by not claiming Council Tax Benefit. New rules mean that once a person has successfully claimed Council Tax Benefit they don’t have to re-apply each year and many pensioners will be entitled to money back from this year’s bill.
“Leaflets explaining what to do are accompanying Winter Fuel Payments which should be being received around now. I urge everyone not to miss out and to make sure they claim what they are entitled to.
“If any household with someone over 70 does not receive their extra ?100 living expenses on top of their winter Fuel Allowance they should contact my constituency office.”
For those who haven’t received their Winter Fuel Allowance the Winter Fuel Helpline telephone number is 08459 151515.

Flats “sandwich”
is approved
by David Skentelbery

PLANNERS have given the green light to a three-storey flat development sandwiched between a busy garage and a popular hotel – subject to adequate sound proofing being installed to safeguard residents.
The 17 flats will be built in three blocks off Folly Lane, Warrington between Peugeot dealers Hall Motors and the Tyrol House Hotel.
Opposition came from neighbours and from local councillor Hitesh Patel, who was concerned at the loss of amenity, overbearing impact of the scheme and negative affect on the street scene.
Neighbours claimed they would be overlooked by third storey properties and that the scheme would open up the site, increasing the risk of burglaries.
Planning officers told the borough’s development control committee the density of the scheme was relatively high.
However, the apartment blocks would be fairly modern in character and would add to the vitality and diversity of the area, improving its character.
The area was predominantly residential so provided measures were taken to reduce any noise problems from the garage and the hotel, the development was acceptable.

News in brief

Hospital lottery
WINNING numbers in the weekly lottery run by the League of Friends of Warrington Hospital were 6, 7, 11 and 14. The ?469 jackpot was won by one winner and the ?25 consolation prize went to J Sheldon. An additional consolation prize of a dinner at the Hanover International Hotel was won by Ada. Next week’s jackpot will be about ?200.

Store plan
HALFORD’S Ltd are seeking planning consent to install a mezzanine floor at their store on the Alban Retail Park, in Hawleys Lane, Warrington.

Road closure
A SECTION of the eastbound carriageway of the A5061 Knutsford Road, Warrington, is to be temporarily closed at its junction with Park Avenue, from Sunday, December 12 while structural maintenance is carried out. Diversions will be signposted.
Carers’ meeting
HELEN Jones, MP for Warrington North is visiting Warrington Carers Centre at Garvin Place, off Sankey Street today (Friday) to meet carers and listen to their concerns.