Battle to be fought
over historic
800-year-old farm
by David Skentelbery
A NEW planning battle is to be fought at Warrington over controversial proposals for housing development on a farm which dates back nearly 800 years.
The site at Penketh Hall Farm, off Hall Nook, Penketh is also subject to a one-in-100 year flood risk.
Warrington’s development control committee threw out outline proposals for a major residential development on the last three months ago.
But an appeal has been lodged and a public inquiry has been ordered. No date has yet been fixed but anyone wishing to make representations must notify the Planning Inspectorate by February 17.
More than 60 nearby residents lodged objections when the issue came before councillors in October.
They claimed the area was subject to repeated flooding, and the Environment Agency confirmed that flood presentation work would be necessary because of a one-in-100 year flood risk from Penketh Brook.
Penketh Action Group objected to the scheme and claimed the area was already grossly over-developed. Warrington as a whole had sufficient land for housing until 2011.
Properties in Hall Nook and nearby Manston Road were regularly flooded and the development, together with essential road widening, would worsen the flood problem.
The housing would also have a damaging impact on listed farm buildings dating from 1215.
Councillors claimed the scheme would destroy a “buffer” zone between Warrington and Widnes.
Students holiday in
the sun – the hard way
STUDENTS from Priestley College, Warrington, took part in a series of gruelling tests including mountain biking and gym testing when they visited a resort in Lanzarote.
It was the second time in 12 months that the Club La Santa Resort had played host to the college.
The Sports Science Department originally ran a pilot trip to the resort last winter and returned for a warm weather training camp and to study aspects of physiology, nutrition, sports psychology and testing and analysis.
Organisers say that during their stay the group was tested to the limits with a series of tests and body toning. They said that the trip helped students develop their skills and for many was their first trip away from home or to a foreign country.
For many one of the highlights was a football match against fellow college Loughborough, in which Priestley proved 6-4 victors.
Matt Richmond, who led the trip, said: “Overall the outing was a very enjoyable experience for all concerned. The timetable of events we set up gave the group a diverse programme to tackle and ensured that the students were always kept on their toes.”
Cinema gears up for
its own baby boom
by Lesley Wilkinson
WARRINGTON UCI cinema will experience its own baby boom tomorrow (Thursday) when it stages a unique screening of the film Closer for mums and carers with their toddlers and babies.
The special screening of the film, starring Jude Law, Julia Roberts, Clive Owen and Natalie Portman, starts at 10.30am with doors opening at 9.45am.
Staff say this is only the second time that an event of this kind has been organised and offers mums and carers the opportunity to watch a “chick flick” knowing that others in the cinema will not be too upset if their baby cries.
Sarah Barwell, on behalf of the local National Childbirth Trust, has worked with Fay Matthews from the cinema to ensure that those who look after babies and toddlers can enjoy seeing films.
Admission has been reduced to ?4.50 and is open to all, not just NCT members.
Sarah said “This idea works well in the USA and Australia and we are very confident that this will be a rip-roaring success in Cheshire. Our first event held in November had almost 100 babies (and their mums or carers) watching the new Bridget Jones movie.”
She said the cinema has been inundated with calls for the screening, from as far away as Manchester and Macclesfield.
Sarah added: “UCI have been great. They have risen to the challenge and are preparing for more than 100 mums and babies – they’re even opening the ice-cream and popcorn stands just for us.
“The NCT is a charity which offers information and support in pregnancy childbirth and early parenthood. Support comes in many forms and giving parents some well earned “me time” is just one of them,” she added.
UCI will be closed to all other customers during the showing and car seats and buggies are welcome in the auditorium. Fifty pence from each ticket will go towards funding the training of an antenatal teacher for the local NCT branch.
Masked men in
raid on shop
by staff reporter
TWO masked men got away with cash from a convenience store at Warrington after threatening staff with a knife and a hammer.
The raid was at the Co-op Late Shop in Capesthorne Road, Orford.
Two men, both about six feet tall and wearing dark clothing and either balaclavas or scarves over their faces, burst into the shop. They threatened staff and demanded money.
One man was wielding a knife and the other used a claw hammer to smash open a till.
No-one was injured in the raid, but staff were left badly shaken.
Police are appealing for witnesses of the robbery to come forward, along with anyone else with information. Anyone who can help is asked to contact DC Gary Massey on 01244 613834.
Live music for
hospital patients
by staff reporter
PATIENTS at a Warrington hospital were entertained by live music as part of the charity Music in Hospitals tour of the North West.
The concert at The Kingsley Unit, Hollins Park Hospital, was enjoyed by patients and staff.
The event, supported by BNFL, was led by oboe, clarinet and bassoon players, The Thorne Trio, from London. They performed a variety of light classical music, jazz, songs from the shows and audience requests.
Diana Greenman, chief executive of the charity said: “There is recognition in the healthcare profession that exposure to high quality live music produces clear and measurable benefits in patients, residents and clients with a wide range of conditions.
“Music in Hospitals engages professional musicians whose high standard of musicianship and communication skills bring warmth and joy into the lives of sick and disabled adults and children across the UK,” she added.
Public asked for views
on council’s budget
by John Hendon
WARRINGTON Borough Council has launched its public consultation on the budget for the coming financial year.
People across the borough are being asked to put forward their views – using the cutting edge capabilities of the internet.
A questionnaire is available on the council’s website and can be used by clicking here.
The questionnaire aims to get opinions on Council Tax levels, spending options and areas where the council could increase charges or make savings. Residents have until the end of January to give their views and ideas for balancing next year’s budget.
Coun John Morris, the council’s executive member for Resources and Performance, said: “We have to make important decisions, on behalf of the town and its communities, about the level of budget we set and about the level of council tax. Before these spending decisions are made, we need people to come forward and give us their views.
“Warrington like many other local councils will face a difficult task to balance next year’s budget. There are many pressures on next year’s budget including a continuing rise in demand for council services and the need to meet new legislative changes.
“Being realistic, while the government may provide in part some of the funding to meet these pressures, we will also have to look at cutting back or reducing costs for some services or look to raise Council Tax to find the rest of the money to balance the budget. These are serious considerations and that is
why we need the people to come forward and have their say about how we set next year’s budget.”
The council will be considering all of these issues and looking at various options to balance the 2005/06 budget early in the new year. It will make a final decision on the budget and level of Council Tax at the end of February 2005.
Programme fair will
boost youth rugby
by Lesley Wilkinson
FOR the 20th consecutive year Warrington Wolves RL Club is staging a Programme Fair offering fans the opportunity to buy or sell old copies.
The sale will be at The Halliwell Jones Stadium in the North Stand on Saturday March 12 from 10am to 1pm. Car parking is available at the ground.
Proceeds from past sales have supported schools and local amateur RL groups. Last year ?240 was raised.
This year’s fair will be in aid of the Warrington Service Area Management Board Junior Representative teams and U11’s.
The club is asking people to donate surplus programmes for re-sale, or for supporters’ clubs, dealers or individuals to hire a table at a cost of ?5 to sell their own stock.
Fans are being asked to publicise the event in magazines, programmes or on notice boards, and to support the sale on the day.
Admission will be 20p and light refreshments will be available.
Club spokeswoman Gina Coldrick said: “Please help us by supporting this event and helping us to promote referee recruitment, schools and amateur junior and youth Rugby League.”
Further details are available from the club and programmes should be sent to Dave Prince c/o Warrington R.L.F.C, The Halliwell Jones Stadium, Winwick Road, Warrington WA2 7NE.
