Town’s “excellent progress”
towards performance targets
by John Hendon
WARRINGTON has made ?excellent progress? towards meeting performance targets over the last six months ? although there are still some areas of concern.
This is the conclusion of Town Hall chiefs in their half-yearly progress report on council performance.
A total of 302 targets were set in the borough council?s corporation plan and performance plan for 2005.
Performance reports have been produced for 103 ? of which 77 are on target and 26 are below.
Of those not reported on, some are only available annually. But others are capable of being monitored more frequently.
The targets relate to six strategic objectives to make Warrington?s communities safer, reduce health inequalities, improve transport infrastructure and choice, improve the environment, ensure children get a good start in life and improve the council?s organisational performance.
Half-yearly progress shows that violent crime and burglary rates have reduced ? and the council has received a major boost by being awarded ?1.6 million by the Government to help tackle deprivation and strengthen communities.
Targets have been negotiated with the Government around key health issues for Warrington such as reducing smoking, obesity and alcohol abuse.
Delays to travellers caused by road works appear to be falling and the council is negotiating with the Government for measures to help reduce traffic congestion.
Progress is encouraging on the supply of decent and affordable house and street cleanliness is improving.
Performance is improving on recycling, but is still below locally set targets.
Provisional data suggests that education service performance is good and the council has improved its approach to strategic planning.
However, Town Hall sickness levels continue to be high and it possible that reduction targets for the year will not be achieved.
Teenager barred
from shops
by court reporter
A WARRINGTON teenager has been made the subject of an Anti Social Behaviour Order (ASBO) by the town?s magistrates.
Warrington Youth Court imposed the order on Andrew Tickle, of Vulcan Close, Padgate at the same time as sentencing for a number of offences.
The 15 year old must now abide by several conditions for a period of two years.
He must not enter Blenheim Close, Padgate, nor the Fearnhead Shopping area.
In addition, he must not act in a manner which would cause harassment, alarm or distress to any person not of the same household as himself nor ntentionally, or wrecklessly damage any property not belonging to himself.
PC Alex Reeves of the local Community Action Team (CAT), said: “Andrew Tickle’s behaviour has been a nuisance to the people of Padgate. Anti Social Behaviour is taken very seriously and we hope this ASBO will serve to curb his behaviour.”
Breaching the conditions of an ASBO is an arrestable offence.
Planners’ welcome for
wildlife pond initiaitve
by David Skentelbery
A PROPOSAL to create a wildlife pond on open land off Glazebrook Lane, Glazebrook, near Warrington has been welcome by Town Hall planning bosses.
The scheme is to be considered by the borough?s development control committee tomorrow (Wednesday) and officers are recommending it be approved.
No objections have been received from English Nature nor the Environment Agency but Rixton with Glazebrook Parish Council have expressed doubts.
They say they have been given insufficient details to fully consider the application and have requested more information.
A planning department spokesman said: ?The proposed pond is acceptable in this location and establishes a positive gain in creating a new wildlife habitat.?
He said despite the parish council concerns, it is considered sufficient information has been provided.
Any material change of use of the pond ? for example, for commercial or recreational fishing use ? would require a fresh planning consent and could be controlled by enforcement action.
There is currently no evidence of protected species on the site and precautions will be taken to ensure no adverse impact.
?The proposed pond would enhance the character and appearance of the site and is capable of creating a valuable wildlife feature.?
Scouts to help protect
bikes from thieves
by John Hendon
COMMUNITY spirited scouts at Culcheth, near Warrington will be giving up a Saturday morning in the New Year to help police security mark other children’s bikes in a bid to combat thieves.
On January 7 PCSO Stephen Dodd will be holding a security marking day at the scout hut on Jackson Avenue, Culcheth from 10am to 1.00pm.
He will be joined by scouts, cubs, brownies and rainbows from the 3rd Warrington East and 1st Culcheth Scout group who want to help other children protect their bikes.
Scout Leader Maya Readman, said: “We are pleased to help out with this initiative. Our scouts take part in a number of worthwhile activities in the village and are good members of the local community.”
PCSO Dodd added: “A lot of children will have received brand new bikes for Christmas so now is the ideal time to get them security marked to deter opportunist thieves. It’s great to see local children getting involved to help others in this way.”
“Affordable” homes
move hits trouble
by David Skentelbery
MOVES by Lymm Parish Council to free-up two underused sites for affordable housing have run into trouble.
Borough planning chiefs have vetoed suggestions by the parish that council-owned land in Northway and off Princess Road and John Road, on the Elms Farm estate could be used for affordable housing developments.
Coun Sheila Woodyatt expressed disappointment at the negative response from the borough.
She said: “These sites are used for garages which are underused and, although they are small, could have accommodated some much needed affordable housing.
“The planners say the sites would have been over-developed, which when you consider some of the other developments which have been allowed in Lymm in recent years, is disappointing.”
