Homes plan held up –
because ?5m sweetener
is not enough
by David Skentelbery
A MULTI-million ? plan to build more than 560 new homes at Warrington has been put on ice – because councillors are not happy with a ?5 million package of benefits the developers are prepared to throw in.
Countryside Properties want to build the homes – some in blocks up to six storeys high – on the site of the former Rylands wire works off Battersby Lane.
But councillors are dissatisfied with the company’s offer and have deferred consideration of the proposals pending further talks.
Offices and workshops providing or retaining up to 230 jobs would also be included in the development – and bus company Mayne Coaches would also have their Warrington depot relocated as part of the scheme.
Countryside say the scheme would include 84 units of affordable housing at a discounted market price of ?75,000 or 42 units for rent – equivalent to a cost of ?4,562,700.
In addition the company is offering to contribute ?269,000 towards improving schools provision, ?172,500 enhancements to nearby St Peter’s Park, ?125,000 open space within the site and ?50,000 for a new community building for existing and future residents.
The firm suggests this represents in total a package of benefits equivalent to ?5,197,080.
But Coun Terry Whelan, chairman of the borough’s development control committee said: “We are saying we don’t need these houses.
“They are offering a package of benefits, including an element of social housing. But we don’t think the social housing proposed is very significant, nor are we happy about the likely impact on the road system.
“We want to discuss these issues further but rather than simply refuse permission we have deferred the matter for further talks to take place.”
Planners accept the scheme would create jobs, clean up a redundant, contaminated site and enhance the area. But they are concerned the scheme would result in an unnecessary addition to the existing surplus of housing land in the borough.
They say the regenerative benefits of the proposal are not of such significance to justify adding to the surplus of housing land.
A number of residents have also lodged objections. They claim four, five and six storey properties would overshadow nearby houses and roads would be unable to cope with increased traffic. Local campaigner Mike Hughes, (pictured below) leader of Warrington Community Action Party and a former councillor, said: “Warrington has suffered from a frenzy of house building in recent years and it is time we had a freeze on development. “Each new house built adds two or three cars to the roads and the town is already almost gridlocked.” Countryside say the development cannot stand a larger package of benefits. But they have no problem with readjustment of priorities. Reducing the affordable housing by seven two-bedroomed apartments, for instance, would provide for a ?350,000 contribution towards highway works.
Harry’s great gift
by Gary Skentelbery
A UNIQUE part of Warrington Wolves’ history will return to the club on Sunday, helping raise thousands of pounds for former captain Mike Gregory.
The club’s Aussie legend Harry Bath has donated his treasured Championship winners medal from the 1947-48 season, to help raise funds for former star Mike who is suffering from a debilitating disease.
Both players had the honour of skippering the side and Harry, who spent nine “very happy” years at Warrington, is eager to help 42-year-old Mike, who is hoping to attend a special Trust Challenge match with Widnes this Sunday (January 15) k.o. 3pm. Dozens of past players will form a special “guard of honour” for the special presentation during the half time interval, when the medal will be handed over to club chairman Lord Hoyle by Past Players chairman Nobby Clarke and warrington-worldwide editor Gary Skentelbery.
After hearing of Mike’s plight Harry, who collected 17 winners medals during his illustrious career, decided to donate one to help the popular Wiganer who served the club for 12 years. He later went on to be a successful Coach at Wigan before being struck down by illness.
Harry has also donated a signed Wembley programme from the 1950 season when he skippered Warrington to a 17-0 victory over Widnes.
The Warrington side was full of “legends” including Moggy Palin, Gerry Helme and Brian Bevan.
Warrington Wolves are eager for the medal to stay at the club, so it can can on show in a special display case which is currently being organised by Nobby and Finance Director Neil Dowson on behalf of the Supporters Trust.
Harry, now aged 81, who sent a message form his home in Australia via email said: “I would like to donate my 1947-48 Championship Medal to raise money for Mike.
“Warrington gave me the opportunity to win the medal and I believe it belongs in Warrington and I would like the medal to be able to do some good.”
Harry and his wife Gwen (pictured top) ran the Britannia pub in the town centre while he starred for the club, playing alongside other legends including the late great Bevan, who still holds the world record for career tries – a record which is never likely to be beaten.
When his playing career ended, Harry, who lived in Grappenhall, moved back to Australia for a successful coaching career. He suffered personal tragedy following the death of his daughter Diane when she was aged just 47.
Residents lose battle
over mobile phone mast
by David Skentelbery
RESIDENTS have lost a battle to stop a 60 ft high mobile phone mast going up near their homes at Padgate, Warrington.
Borough planning chiefs have approved an application by National Grid Wireless – on behalf of mobile phone operators Hutchinson 3G UK ? for permission to erect the mast at a redundant gas holder site off Birchwood Way.
The matter had already been before Warrington’s development control committee once – when residents persuaded councillors to defer a decision pending enquiries about the possibility of using an alternative, more acceptable site.
But after studying the proposals again, committee members reluctantly decided they had no alternative but to approve it.
The plan involves a 60 ft high tower, with three antennae and two dishes, within a new fenced compound on the site.
More than 100 residents had lodged objections, together with nearby St Oswald’s Primary School.
Mayoress Coun Karen Mundry had also opposed the scheme.
But planning officers said the operators had demonstrated a need for network coverage in the area – particularly for traffic on the M6. They said the mast would be screened by trees and met the required health safety standards.
MP’s warning on
“silent killer”
by Lesley Wilkinson
PEOPLE are being urged to use gas safely and avoid the potential danger of the “silent killer” carbon monoxide, by Warrington North MP Helen Jones.
Helen is backing an advertising campaign by CORGI, the Council of Registered Gas Installers, and the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents which will highlight the potential dangers.
“I am pleased to help CORGI in its campaign to ensure that people have their gas appliances regularly maintained by a CORGI-registered installer,” she said.
“Carbon monoxide poisoning is entirely preventable but it can be a silent killer in the home. I would encourage everyone to have their gas appliances checked in 2006.?
Parish council may
get financial boost
by staff reporter
PROPOSED changes in Government funding for Police Community Support Officers may give parish councils in the south of Warrington a financial boost.
Coun Peter Walker told Stockton Heath Parish Council that proposals for the Government to fund new CSOs could have an impact on the parish council.
“The Home Office has agreed that existing CSOs could also benefit from the funding in 2007/8,” h
e said.
Stockton Heath Parish Council and neighbouring parish councils fund CSOs to cover their parishes. Coun Walker said the changes could mean reduced costs, but that the subsidy would tail off in subsequent years.
No money for
village clean-up
by Lesley Wilkinson
THE Sunday morning clean-up of litter in Stockton Heath following Saturday night partying, can no longer be funded by Warrington Borough Council.
Clerk Peter Briggs told Stockton Heath Parish Council that the borough said that funds were not available for the clean up.
He said the parish council ranger had agreed to clear up litter on Sunday mornings on a trial basis.
Resident Mrs Joan Pearson said: “The borough council should provide this service. The area now gets as much use as Warrington centre and this is a health hazard every Sunday morning.”
Hammer raiders may
have been teenagers
by John Hendon
POLICE have released more information about two men armed with hammers who raided an off-licence at Stockton Heath, Warrington, earlier in the week.
The men, carrying a sledge hammer and a claw hammer, failed in a bid to smash open the cash till at the Bargain Booze shop in Cawdor Street, but escaped with a quantity of cigarettes.
They are described as both being in their late teens or early 20s, slim and between 5ft 8 inches and 5ft 10 inches tall. They spoke with Liverpool accents.
The pair fled in a BMW car reported stolen from Liverpool the previous day.
Staff were herded into a rear storeroom and, although none were hurt, were left badly shocked by the incident.
The company has offered a reward for information leading to the arrest of the offenders.
Anyone with information about the raid, or who witnessed it, is asked to to contact Warrington Police on 0845 4580000.
