Three tied up
by gang of thugs
by David Skentelbery
A MAN and a teenage boy were overpowered and tied up by a gang of four men who forced their way into their home at Warrington.
The man, aged 33, was punched and kicked during the terrifying incident at a flat in Church Street, Warrington.
During the incident, a 37-year-old woman arrived at the property to call on the occupants and was was also tied up.
The gang stole cash, two mobile phones and electrical goods including a Playstation before leaving the premises.
Eventually the 33-year-old managed to free himself and raise the alarm.
The raid was at 10pm on June 30 but police have only now released details.
They saw the gang of four all spoke with Liverpool accents. One was aged 45-50, was about 5ft 9 inches tall and wore a pinstriped suit and tie. He had short, greying brown hair.
The other three all wore balaclavas. But two were about 5ft 10, one slim and the other stocky.
One of the offenders had a crowbar which he used to threatened the victims.
None of the occupants of the flat required hospital treatment but all were badly shaken.
Anyone who can help police with their enquiries is asked to call 01244 613845.
Double triumph
for the twins
by Lesley Wilkinson
AN amazing coincidence led to twin brothers who chose the contrasting hobbies of rugby and ballet winning trophies for being top in their fields – and being presented with them on the same night.
It left their parents in something of a dilemma as they would both would have liked to have attended both presentations.
Identical twins Phillip and Paul Oliver, aged nine, of Croft, near Warrington originally both tried rugby and ballet before deciding to go their separate ways. Phillip scrummed down on the rugby pitch while brother Paul preferred ballet.
Parents Susan, 46, and Gordon, 47, of Heath Lane, Croft, found themselves torn between the two on the awards night.
They solved the problem in the only possible way. Dad went to see Phillip win the trophy for the Most Improved Player in the Under 11s category with Culcheth Eagles at Culcheth Sports Club.
Mum went along to see Paul scoop the trophy for the Best All Rounder in the junior section at Kate Simmons School of Dance, Woolston where he does ballet, tap and modern dance.
Susan said: “It was an amazing coincidence that they both won trophies, and that both presentations were on the same evening at 7.15pm.
“We were amazed that they both won trophies and are really proud of them both,” she added.
Both trophies are on show at their home.
In other respects, the twins are very alike. Both enjoy swimming and both are good at maths.
Proud Mum added: “It is good that they have chosen different hobbies, as it stops them from becoming too competitive.”
Inspirational Norma
reaches national final
by Lesley Wilkinson
A WARRINGTON woman who has worked with young people for more than 30 years has reached the final three in a national competition for the Inspirational Women of the Year award.
The young people were so impressed with Norma Hornby – who pulled herself through following a traumatic attack by a teenage boy and continues to work with young people – that they nominated her for the award.
Norma, of Cliffe Road, Appleton, is divorced and has a 38-years-old daughter Karen.
She is competing against two others for the title in the contest run by womenswear brand Olsen and Good Housekeeping magazine.
Organisers say that hundreds of nominations for “unsung heroines” flooded in and Norma’s tale impressed the selectors. Voting for the winner starts on July 11 on the website www.inspirational.women.co.uk
Norma, who worked in youth education in Warrington, was forced to retire on health grounds following the attack by an unknown boy three years ago.
She has been chairman for 27 years of the award-winning Canal Boat Adventure Project in Runcorn, which provides lots of support for disadvantaged Warrington youngsters and regularly has a boat on the Bridgewater Canal at Walton Gardens. She became full-time volunteer manager after leaving her youth education post.
“I am absolutely thrilled that the young people nominated me for this award as they inspire me,” she said. “I am really pleased that the young people appreciate what I do.
“I don’t think about people voting for me personally, but for all the issues associated with child poverty and disadvantage.”
Norma explained that disadvantaged children from Warrington and Halton are taken on board one of the five boats and given the chance to learn IT, art, drama and poetry. They also work on special projects with young people from other European countries, and basic social skills such as sitting around a table eating healthy meals.
“We take children who are referred to us by schools, social services, the police – even by parents – and we give them the opportunity to discover their own potential and to break through class and education barriers,” said Norma. “Many of them stay on as helpers at the age of 14, and we prepare them for their GCSEs and even for university.”
The three finalists have each won ?500 worth of Olsen clothing, a two night stay at a top hotel and will be invited to a fashion show in October when the winner will be announced. The winner will receive ?2,000 towards a charity of her choice and a holiday worth ?3,000.
Knifemen in raid
on corner shop
by John Hendon
TWO men burst into a convenience shop at Warrington, just after it had closed and threatened staff with a large knife.
A male assistance at the Spar Shop in Ellesmere Road, Walton had the knife held at his throat while the pair stole cash and cigarettes.
The raiders made their escape by car, although no details of the vehicle are known. Police are seeking witness who may have seen the vehicle, or anything else suspicious, near the shop.
Two members of staff were in the store at the time of the raid, a man and a girl, both in their late teens. Neither were hurt, but both were left shocked.
Anyone who saw a car near the store, or who saw anyone acting suspiciously in the area, is asked to call DC David Long or DC Stuart Eales on 01925 613834.
Riding school house
plan causes concern
by David Skentelbery
A PLAN to convert part of a riding school into a home on Green Belt land at Croft, near Warrington, has caused concern in the village.
Croft Parish Council is opposing the scheme on the grounds the site is in the Green Belt and the proposals would result in over-development of the site.
A nearby resident has also expressed concern over the impact of the building on a legal right of access and because the proposed dwelling would be too large for the occupier.
Croft Riding Centre, in Spring Lane, Croft, wants the dwelling because they believe they need someone living on the site for security purposes.
A mobile home already exists on the site for this purpose but this would be removed when the new dwelling was built.
Planning officers are recommending the scheme be approved because, although the reasons put forward by the applicant would not normally provide sufficient justification for a new dwelling in the Green Belt, the development will not cause harm to the Green Belt and could, arguably, actually enhance it.
The plan is to be considered by Warrington’s development control committee this week.
Man charged with
attempted murder
by court reporter
A MAN has been charged with attempted murder following a knife attack at Warrington.
The 18-year-old from Bewsey has already appeared before the town’s magistrates and is due to appear again this Friday.
He has been charged with attempted murder and causing an affray, following an incident in Heath
Road, Penketh, when a 23-year-old man, walking home with his girl friend.
The victim was taken to Warrington Hospital from where he was later transferred to Whiston Hospital, on Merseyside.
He suffered wounds to his neck and face.
