MP backs campaign to
block waste plant
by David Skentelbery
MP Helen Jones is backing residents fighting plans for a multi million ? clinical waste processing plant near their homes at Warrington.
The Warrington North MP says the proposals, for land off Winwick Road, Warrington, are “totally inappropriate.”
Ms Jones – who opposed plans for a clinical waste recycling centre on the site when they were first announced in 2002 – made it clear she is still opposing new, scaled down proposals involving a smaller area of land on the same site.
Around 300 people attended two protest meetings and with a similar number expected when the matter comes before the borough council’s development control committee, the application has been taken off the agenda for a meeting next Wednesday, July 6.
Instead, a special meeting will be held to deal with the matter, at a time and place yet to be decided.
Ms Jones said quite apart from the threat to residential amenity in the area, the scheme would also increase existing traffic problems.
She said: “When the proposal was first submitted I opposed it and I remain totally opposed to the new proposals just submitted.
“The site remains far too close to residential areas for use as a waste treatment facility and the deep concerns of residents have increased over the three years since, making it, in my view, totally inappropriate for any such plans to go ahead.
“The borough council and others are working hard to upgrade the area. We have seen the Halliwell Jones RL Stadium, the new Tesco and the improvements to Warrington Collegiate either completed or begun over the last couple of years The current planning application will detract from these positive developments.
“I will support those opposing the application and do what I can to assist in highlighting the reasons why this waste treatment centre should not be sited on Winwick Road.”
More than 900 people have signed petitions opposing the scheme and objections have been lodged by Warrington Collegiate, the North West Pensioners Association, the Communication Workers Union and the Bewsey Residents and Tenants Association.
Orford councillor Mike Hannon said: “I shall be opposing the applications because I believe it will be damaging to residential amenity and will also result in an increase in traffic.
“There is massive opposition to this scheme – people are genuinely worried.”
If built, the plant would handle 10,000 tonnes of waste a year, from hospitals, clinics, etc, all over the North West.
Street star helps
celebration of youth
report and pictures by Gary Skentelbery
WARRINGTON based young actor Richard Fleeshman, who plays “Craig” on Coronation Street, was special guest at an event to celebrate the good work of youngsters in the local community.
Richard was joined by his mother, actress Sue Jenkins and Warrington Wolves players Mike wainwright and Steve Pickersgill at the Youth Action event at the Haliwell Jones Stadium.
They were also joined by Warrington’s Mayor Hans Mundry and Wolves Mascot Wolfie at the event to celebrate the achievements of Youth Action, launched by the town’s former crime prevention officer Dave Betts nearly 10 years ago.
Pupils from Sir Thomas Boteler, Penketh High, Lymm High, Culcheth High, Bridgewater High, Padgate High and Birchwood High, gave 10 minute presentations on a variety of youth issues – involving a hospital art project, peer education training, alcohol and cannabis awareness, eating disorders and self esteem workshops, first aid, teenage pregnancy and road safety awareness.
The event was supported by programme sponsors warrington-worldwide, Warrington Wolves, Warrington Primary Care Trust and Wire FM.
Dave told a packed audience that Youth Action had been launched following his involvement with the Agenda 21 Project, when he realised the amount of negative feedback about young people.
“Young people were being branded by the actions of the minority,” he said. “The aim of Youth Action is to turn all the negativity about young people on its head.”
Coun Mundry added: “The young people involved in this event represent everything which is good about our town.”
Second arson attack
on block of flats
by David Skentelbery
POLICE are investigating a second arson attack on a block of flats at Orford, Warrington.
Fire broke out in a first floor flat in Bexhill Avenue early today – with two seats of fire in the loung and bedroom.
The rest of the flat was heavily damaged by smoke and firefighters had to wear breathing apparatus to tackle the blaze.
Five days previously, an almost identical blaze was started in the same block of flats.
In both cases the occupants were out at the time.
A police spokesman said: “We are investigating the possibility the two incidents may be linked in some way.”
A fire service spokesman said: “We strongly recommend that people ensure their premises are secure and fit smoke alarms. They should also prepare fire escape plans.”
Free advice on fire security and free smoke alarms can be obtained by calling the freephone number 0800 389 0053 or by calling at any fire station.
Thousands will watch
town’s Walking Day
by staff reporter
HUNDREDS of people will take to the streets of Warrington tomorrow (Friday) for the 171st Warrington Walking Day.
Thousands more are expected to line the streets to watch the great demonstration of Christian Witness, which involves most of the churches in the town.
Unfortunately some traffic delays may be experienced as the crowds make their way into the town centre. However, delays will be kept to a minimum and Town Hall chiefs are asking people to be patient.
As usual, the procession will begin at the Town Hall. But to allow walking groups to avoid peak hour traffic on main roads into the town centre, the start of the procession will be at 10.30am.
The inner town centre will effectively be closed to all traffic from 9.00am until approximately 12.30pm.
Access to Legh Street car park will be via Sankey Street and Legh Street up to 9am but from then until about 12.30pm there will be no access to this car park.
Exit from Legh Street car park will be maintained via the northern end of Legh Street to Midland Way at all times.
Access to Mersey Street car park will be via Academy Street and Academy Way from both Mersey Street and Buttermarket Street. Exit from this car park will be maintained via Bank Street to Mersey Street at all times.
Bus services will continue to operate as normal but will terminate at the edge of the town centre.
Delays on main roads are expected and motorists are being urged to take extra care and exercise patience if delayed by walking groups going to or from the procession.
All town centre roads are expected to re-open to traffic by 12.45pm.
Police campaign nets
another 12 suspects
by John Hendon
ANOTHER 12 people have been arrested as part of the police campaign against travelling crooks in the Warrington area.
This brings the total number of suspected offenders arrested since June 1 to 38.
In addition, a total of 133 fixed penalty notices have also been issued.
The most recent 12 suspects arrested were questioned on a variety of offences including being wanted on warrant, disqualified driving and theft of a motor vehicle.
One person was arrested in connection with an attempted robbery of a mobile phone that took place in Chester.
A police spokeswoman said: “Research shows that many of those driving without licenses and insurance are also engaged in other forms of criminality. This operation aims to disrupt that criminality, as well as issuing penalties for motoring offences.”
Arts showcase to launch
Disability Awareness Day
by staff reporter
AN entertainment extravaganza in the Old Market Pla
ce in Warrington town centre on Saturday (July 2) will launch a week of activities leading up to this years Disability Awareness Day.
The annual event aims to increase public awareness of the ability and needs of disabled people and this year – the 14th Disability Awareness Day – is set to be the biggest yet with more than 250 exhibitors and an expected 25,000 visitors.
An action-packed arts showcase to be held in The Old Market Place, Golden Square, from 12 noon until 5pm. Artists from across the UK will be performing music and dance to entertain the crowds with something to suit everyone’s tastes.
The ever popular “Have a go” wheelchair basketball event will also be back in the Old Market Place on Saturday July 9 from 10am till 4pm with everyone welcome to come along and join in.
Disability Awareness Day itself will be held at Walton Hall Gardens, Warrington on Sunday July 10.
Event co-ordinator Dave Thompson said: “We are delighted to once again be working with the team at Golden Square and would like to thank them for their ongoing support. Golden Square is one of the key focal points for the community in Warrington and where else is better to launch Disability Awareness Week.”
Golden Square’s general manager, David Allinson added: “Disability Awareness Day is a key date in Warrington’s community calendar and we are proud to be hosting this event. This will be an enjoyable occasion for all the family and will also be a valuable opportunity for everyone to learn more about the activities and initiatives taking place within the community. We trust that the event will be well supported.”
Certificates to mark
children’s achievements
by our correspondent
CHILDREN from three Warrington special schools are to be presented with certificates, for achievements in each Key Stage at a special ceremony at Birchwood Leisure and Tennis Centre on Friday, July 8.
The pupils, from Grappenhall Hall, Green Lane and Fox Wood schools will be commended and presented with certificates and prizes.
The ceremony aims to highlight pupils’ performance in each Key Stage.
Coun Colin Froggatt, the borough council executive member of children’s services, said: “These children have truly achieved something special. They are helping to develop and create a sense of community in their schools. We are rightly proud to be involved in the praise of these talented individuals. It will be a great day.”
Alongside Coun Froggatt will be interim strategic director for children’s services Norma Cadwallader and the Mayor of Warrington, Coun Hans Mundry.
Pupils from the three schools will give musical presentations during the ceremony.
Top clothing firm
moves into town
by business staff
CLOTHING and accessories retailer Monsoon and Accessorize will be opening a 2,447 sq ft store in Warrington’s Golden Square shopping centre on August 4.
The store, located next to Miss Selfridge, is currently being fitted out.
Golden Square general manager, David Allinson said: “We’re delighted that Monsoon and Accessorize will be joining the centre. The store is one of a new generation of Monsoon outlets which creates a vibrant and unique experience for our guests.
“Their arrival demonstrates how the redevelopment project is succeeding in attracting new and exciting brands to Golden Square, to offer an improved shopping experience for the town centre.”
Monsoon chairman Peter Simon added: “Our new Warrington store perfectly captures the bohemian spirit of Monsoon and the energy of Accessorize. It is important that the brands constantly evolve and this new store design demonstrates how we are moving the brands forward without losing their true appeal.”
The new dual store will feature a new, innovative interior and will house collections from Monsoon Womens wear, Childrens wear and Accessorize, as well as providing a personal shopping service. The store, designed by design company Project Orange and Monsoon, features a loft inspired beam ceiling, curved fabric paneled wall, grey limestone tile flooring interlaced with lines of pink mosaic and a modern skylight.
There will be a wall of Monsoon memorabilia dating back to the 1970’s and each changing room has been designed and named with their own theme and mood.
