Murder probe after
man dies in hospital
by David Skentelbery
POLICE at Warrington have launched a murder investigation following the death in hospital of a 20-year-old man who was beaten up by a gang of youths a week ago.
Michael Theaker, of Festival Avenue, Orford died yesterday (Monday) when doctors at Warrington Hospital turned off his life-support machine.
Detectives will tonight be mingling with the public at Warrington bus station and in Hallfields Road, Orford – scene of the attack – in an attempt to find witnesses.
A police spokesman said: “We are hoping that by visiting these key locations exactly a week after the event we may find people who can help with our enquiries.
The incident followed an argument on a No 21 bus as it travelled along Hallfields Road last Tuesday night (January 24).
All the people involved – the 20-year-old victim and a group of other men – got off the bus near Knight’s pharmacy. The argument continued and finally led to the lone man being attacked by the others. He was taken to Warrington Hospital with serious head injuries.
Doctors have fought in vain to save him ever since.
Three men appeared before magistrates on Thursday charged with wounding. They are due to appear before Warrington Crown Court this Friday.
Police have interviewed a number of people who were on the bus and who were at the scene of the attack. But they are anxious to speak to others – in particular a group of three young men who were on the bus, seated towards the rear.
Anyone who can help is asked to call police on 01244 613833.
A report of the original incident can be seen on the Wednesday page in our News Review
Planning battle looming
over medical waste plant
by David Skentelbery
A PLANNING battle looks set to be fought over controversial plans for a giant medical waste recycling plant at Warrington.
Developers have appealed against Warrington Borough Council?s decision to refuse planning consent for the scheme, off Winwick Road.
A public inquiry is almost certain to be held ? the second into the proposals.
On the first occasion, the developers won planning permission but were unable to press ahead with the scheme because the borough council refused to sell part of the proposed site, which is in council ownership.
A second application was made involving a smaller area of the same site which is in private ownership. But, after a special hearing attended by about 250 angry members of the public, the council again threw out the proposals.
Councillors expressed concern that the development would be situated immediately next to a housing estate and that heavy lorries using the site would cause unacceptable traffic congestion on the A49.
All 10 members of the development control committee who were present voted to refuse permission, despite a warning from officers that the council could be held liable for costs in the event of a planning approval.
Local residents strongly opposed the scheme because of fears that emissions from the site might result in health problems. They also claimed the development would result in traffic problems on roads already struggling to cope.
If built, the recycling centre would process medical waste from hospitals, clinics, etc from all over the North West.
The end of the line
for “Dad’s Igloo”
by staff reporter
THE electricity sub-station which has provided power to most of Warrington town centre for the last 30 years has been officially decommissioned – the latest milestone in the ?120 million redevelopment of the Gold Square shopping centre.
Nicknamed “Dad’s Igloo” when it was built, the distinctive building has to be demolished to make way for new development – and the former schoolboy who gave it its name was there to see the decommissioning take place.
The late Ken Hazlehurst worked on the original substation and his widow, Mary and son, Derek were invited to see it bow out.
Also there was Coun Mike Hannon, now a executive member of Warrington Borough Council, who also worked on the construction of the original Golden Square.
Coun Hannon said: “I worked on the site from 1974 to 1983. The construction of the sub-station was both unique and complicated and would certainly test the skills of many bricklayers today because of its design, which included many curves, angles and arches.
“Ken’s son, Derek, named the sub station ‘Dad’s igloo’ – and that’s exactly what it looked like. A lot of work went into the building and as a result I know this is a landmark which is close to the hearts of Mary and Derek. They wanted to be here to celebrate this milestone with the new Golden Square construction team.”
Simon Pritchard, project manager at Bovis Lend Lease, the building contractor on the scheme added: “We’re delighted the Hazlehursts have joined us to celebrate this particularly moving milestone and its has been a pleasure to talk them through how the construction is taking shape and what it will bring to Warrington.”
Meanwhile, more than 65 per cent of the retail units in the emerging Golden Square extension are now fully let – more than a year before the scheme is due for completion.
The project will add 375,000 sq ft of additional retail space to the existing shopping centre which already comprises 310,000 sq ft of space.
There will be a new Debenham?s department store, Boots, Next and H&M stores.
A full refurbishment of the existing centre is also being carried out.
Taxi driver robbed
in the early hours
by David Skentelbery
A TAXI driver was attacked and robbed of his car after answering a call in the early hours of the morning at Grappenhall, near Warrington.
The cabbie was left with cuts to his face which required hospital treatment.
Police are seeking witnesses of the 3.25am incident in Chester Road, Grappenhall.
The cabbie was called to Chester Road and picked up two men. But once in the cab they claimed to have a knife and attacked him. The victim never actually saw a knife, but did suffer serious cuts to his face.
He was thrown out of the car ? a green Skoda Octavia estate ? and it was driven off. As yet, it has not been recovered.
One of the offenders is described as about 5ft 7 inches tall, slim and aged about 16 or 17. He was wearing a dark, hooded top. The second was abouot 18 or 18 years old, 5ft 8 inches tall, stocky and with fair hair in a crew cut.
Anyone who can help police is asked to call DS Kate Tomlinson on 01244 613833 or, in confidence, on the Crimestoppers number, 0800 555111.
Hospital midwives
earn national award
by staff reporter
WARRINGTON Hospital’s midwives have been honoured for their creative approach to care at a prestigious national award ceremony.
At the Royal College of Midwives Awards in London – which are open to every maternity unit in the country – they finished second in the innovation in midwifery practice category.
This was in recognition of the work of Rachel Browning, Labour Ward co-ordinator and matron, and practice development midwife Michelle McElroy, who developed a training and resource room at the hospital.
Melanie Hudson, head of midwifery services, said: “They put a lot of effort in to develop the resource room, which has become an invaluable part of our work here.
“It is used virtually every day to carry out in-house training for midwives and medical staff. By constantly expanding their skills and knowledge, our midwives can work ever more closely with mums-to-be and their families to help them follow a natural path to childbirth wherever possible.
“Everyone here felt very proud of the efforts of Rachel and Michelle and we are also delighted to have our work praised by the RCM.
“You like to think that you are providing high quality care for patients and recognition in such a prestigious setting proves that we are.
“On top of that th
e awards evening was a fantastic event at a big hotel in London. Everyone here still has the feel good factor – it was just like the BAFTAs!”
Warrington Hospital employs 140 midwives and more than 3,000 babies are delivered each year.
“Who dunnit” writers
to reveal their secrets
by John Hendon
THREE top ?who dunnit? writers are to give talks at Stockton Heath Library near Warrington over the next few weeks.
All are members of the Murder Squad ? a group of crime fiction writers whose books span the range of current crime writing, including police novels, private stories and psychological thrillers.
The events offer an opportunity for crime readers and potential crime writers to learn a few tricks of the trade and discover a few secrets.
On Thursday, February 9, Martin Edwards, twice nominated for CWA Daggers awards, will be explaining how he approaches his Lake District mysteries, which include the Cipher Garden and the Coffin Trail. The talk begins at 7pm.
February 15 sees Cath Staincliff, a founder member of the Murder Squad, whose character DCI Janine Lewis, starring Caroline Quentine, has been brought to life in the Blue Murder series on ITV, talking about women detectives. The talk is at 12 noon.
On Thursday, February 21, Margaret Murphy will discuss the real police work behind the fiction in a stalk entitled ?Crime Scene Uncovered? at 7pm.
Tickets for the events are ?2.50 and can be bought at Stockton Heath Library, by ringing library staff on 01925 261148 or 01925 442732.
