Vandals on
the rampage
by David Skentelbery
POLICE at Warrington are hunting vandals who carried out a systematic attack on a number of parked vehicles.
The offenders struck late at night, slashing tyres and scratching abusive comments on the vehicles.
A Toyota Landranger parked outside the Golden City Chinese takeaway in Park Road, Great Sankey had all four tyres punctured and offensive comments scratched on the paintwork.
Four other vehicles parked in either Park Road or Princess Street were also attacked, suffering scratches and slashed tyres.
Nearby residents believed the attacks could have a racist motive.
A police spokesman said: “We are seeking witnesses or anyone else with information about these senseless acts of vandalism. Anyone who can help should call PC Carl Matthews 01244 612625.
Meanwhile, fire experts have decided a fire which caused extensive to two camper vans parked in Longshaw Street, Warrington, earlier this week was, in fact, caused by arsonists. At first it was thought an electrical fault could have started the blaze.
Slimmers raise ?6,000
to train guide dogs
by Lesley Wilkinson
SLIMMERS who took part in a sponsored walk on the Trans Pennine Trail near Warrington raised more than ?6,000 for the Guide Dogs for the Blind Association.
The walk, which started from the Pickering Arms pub at Thelwall on St George’s Day, was launched with the release of 1,000 balloons.
Taking part were 200 members of Weight Watchers groups from Warrington, Widnes and Runcorn.
Mayor and Mayoress of Warrington, Coun and Mrs Ted Lafferty, officially started the event with assistance from Warrington Wolves mascot Wolfie. Local businesses also donated raffle prizes.
The walkers were dressed patriotically in St George outfits, as dragons or just in red and white costumes.
Organiser Michelle Garvin said: “It was a fantastic day, everyone really enjoyed themselves and we are planning further events throughout the year.
“We have managed to raise enough money for one guide dog which will cost ?5,000 but are aiming to raise ?10,000 which will enable us to buy and train two guide dogs which will be going to local people.”
Ex-Home Secretary
visits local school
by David Skentelbery
FORMER Home Office minister and Shadow Home Secretary Ann Widdecombe dropped in at a Warrington school to see a mock election in progress.
But youngsters at Bradshaw Primary School, Grappenhall were not asked to vote for politicians but for their favourite football team.
Ms Widdecombe was in town at the invitation of Warrington South Conservative candidate Fiona Bruce and decided to visit the school after hearing about the mock election.
Headmaster Stephen Plant gathered the pupils together in the main hall to explain how elections work.
The MP explained that MPs make laws in London at the House of Commons – such as “no guns, no stealing and fines if you drop litter”.
Fiona Bruce explained how in a General Election voters have to be 18 and vote for the Member of Parliament for their town. The children learned that voters have to put an ‘X’ on a ballot paper.
Mr Plant said, “we were delighted to welcome Ann Widdecombe to the school. It was a complete surprise as she simply happened to be meeting people in Warrington with Fiona Bruce on the afternoon of our mock election.” The children were each given a mock ballot paper and asked to choose between Manchester United, Manchester City, Liverpool and Everton.
Residents lose
housing battle
by Lesley Wilkinson
NEIGHBOURS have lost a battle to block plans for a housing development at Penketh, Warrington.
Residents – backed by parish councillors – claimed the development on the site of Payne Engineering, in Bank Gardens, would lead to extra traffic congestion and parking problems.
But Warrington’s development control committee approved the application, by Carus Homes Ltd.
The scheme will replace industrial buildings with a two-storey block of eight two-bedroom apartments, two three-bedroom houses and associated car parking and landscaping. A previous application for a three-storey apartment block had been refused.
Objectors claimed the buildings were out of character with the area and would mean properties were overlooked, cause loss of privacy and light and add to traffic problems in the area.
Developer must pay
for road safety
by David Skentelbery
A PLAN to demolish barns and a house at Beech Farm, Heath Lane, Kenyon and replace them with four new houses has been given the go-ahead by a planning inspector – subject to the developer contributing ?40,000 for road improvements.
Borough council planners had refused permission for the scheme on road safety grounds, but the applicant appealed and the government-appointed inspector allowed the appeal, subject to a legal agreement to carry out highway improvements.
The inspector found the Green Belt development acceptable because it involved replacing existing buildings. But he believed poor visibility at the access onto Heath Lane would create unacceptable road safety problems.
However, he noted there was potential for traffic management improvements which would overcome the safety issue.
The ?40,000 contribution from the developer will pay for improvements to the highway layout, the footpath and street lighting.
Shopping centre stages
a space spectacular
by staff reporter
VISITORS to Birchwood Shopping Centre, near Warrington, can reach for the stars when a three-day space spectacular is launched on Friday May 6.
The main mall will be transformed when a massive inflatable planetarium takes centre stage. There will be free literature and displays on space topics for visitors to enjoy.
Representatives from the National Space Centre in Leicester will visit to give talks inside the planetarium, known as the BT Stardome. Visitors will be told where to look for planets currently visible in the night sky.
Sessions in the Stardome take about 30 minutes and run between 10am and 4pm. The Friday sessions have been reserved for schoolchildren, and sessions on the Saturday and Sunday can be booked on the day.
For youngsters there will be a competition to win one of three space suits and a series of space workshops.
Centre manager Gary Jones said: “We’re very excited about the space event and expect it will prove popular with shoppers of all ages. I’m sure the BT Stardome is going to be a huge pull as we’ve never had anything like it in the centre before.”
Street to be closed
for five nights
by staff reporter
A SECTION of Bold Street, Warrington will be closed for five nights, starting from Monday May 16, to allow for work to be carried out in connection with the redevelopment of Golden Square.
The works, which will be carried out between 8pm and 5.30am, to minimise disruption, will include carriageway widening works, drainage and ducting as part of plans to introduce a puffin crossing.
On each night, Bold Street will be closed to traffic from its junction with Sankey Street for a distance of 40 metres in a southerly direction.
The alternative route for north bound traffic is Bold Street, Wilson Pattern Street, Winmarleigh Street, and Sankey Street.
South bound traffic will be diverted along Sankey Street, Springfield Street, Palmyra Square North and Bold Street.
Diversions will be clearly sign posted.
