Police seize firearms
ARMED police seized firearms, other weapons and drugs in raids on three separate addresses at Warrington today.
Three men and a woman are helping police with enquiries. More details will be in Warrington-Worldwide tomorrow (Thursday).
Shafilea murder: eight
released from bail
by David Skentelbery
EIGHT people arrested in connection with the murder of Warrington teenager Shafilea Ahmed have been released from bail.
Police say after taking legal advice, it has been decided it is not appropriate for them to remain on police bail.
The eight ? believed to all be members of the 17-year-old?s extended family ? had been due to surrender to bail yesterday (Tuesday).
They were originally arrested and questioned on suspicion of attempting to pervert the course of justice.
Police stress that the investigation is Shafilea?s death is continuing and that a number of people are helping officers with enquiries.
A spokesman said: ?There are still outstanding enquiries and when they have completed and depending on the outcome, further action will be taken.?
Shafilea?s body was found in a river in Cumbria several months after she disappeared from her home at Great Sankey, Warrington, in September 2003.
Although the cause of death has never been established, police are convinced she was murdered.
Sometime before her disappearance, she had been on a holiday to Pakistan where, it is understood, she was introduced to a “suitor” with a view to an arranged marriage.
Subsequently she suffered severe throat injuries in Pakistan after apparently swallowing bleach – possibly as a protest at the marriage plan.
At the time of her disappearance she was still being treated for injuries to her throat at Warrington Hospital.
Widespread enquiries have been carried out in the Warrington area and in Cumbria.
A bilingual hotline – in Urdu and English – has been set up in case anyone has information they wish to give to the police in confidence. The freephone number is 0800 458 9701.
On-the-job massage
STRESSED-out workers in a Warrington call centre have been given on-the-job massages to help them relax.
Warrington Collegiate’s holistic therapy students gave hand, head and shoulder massages to the call centre operators at British Telecom’s Winwick-based centre.
The students, on the first year of a Holistic Therapy diploma course at the Winwick Road campus, gave massages and aromatherapy treatments to the operators, much to their delight.
Police probe
works ramraid
by staff reporter
POLICE are investigating a ramraid at industrial premises at Warrington.
Masked men, one armed with a firearm, threatened staff at the Brinks premises at Cranford Court, on the Grange Industrial Estate at Woolston.
The raiders, all wearing balaclavas and boiler suits, tred to drive a green Mondeo estate car with a German registration plate through the doors of the premises.
When this failed, the men forced their way in on foot and one of them threatened staff with a firearm.
The robbers escaped in a white van which, kike the estate car, is believed to have been stolen.
It is not known if anything was stolen from the premises.
“Guinea Pig” council
passed with flying colours
by David Skentelbery
WARRINGTON Borough Council’s Cultural Services were used as a “Guinea Pig” by the Audit Commission for new, tougher, inspections – and came out with flying colours.
The council was the first in the country to go through the new tougher Comprehensive Performance Assessment (CPA).
Council leader John Joyce said: “We were used as a Guinea Pig and the Audit Commission learned a lot which they will now be able to put into effect across the country.”
Coun Pat Wright, executive member for Community Services said: “The inspection showed we were providing value for money.”
The inspection, carried out last year, found a number of positive features in the Cultural Services department.
These included value for money, the quality of initiatives on the ground, quality and dedication of staff, good practice in libraries, arts and culture, parks and sports development and user satisfaction, which is above the national average.
But the inspection also highlighted areas for development, including “patchy” and “inconsistent” management, the condition and quality of leisure centres, the Parr Hall and some outdoor recreation facilities.
Inconsistencies in consultation with users and marketing were also highlighted which, the inspectors said, led to the service not reaching as many of their users as they potentially could.
Celebrating diversity with
music, art and discussion
by Lesley Wilkinson
A CELTIC Day and discussions on topics as diverse as drugs and sexuality, are taking place during celebrations to mark Diversity Week by Warrington Collegiate.
Music, art, demonstrations and discussions are being held at venues throughout the town until the end of the week. Staff and students join the celebrations aimed at recognising people’s differences and examining issues of equality of opportunity.
Jan Pritchard, the collegiate’s equality and diversity co-ordinator said: “Obviously this is a very serious issue, but we intend to raise awareness and promote discussion through celebration and enjoyment.”
Events included a Celtic Day at The Gateway, Fire Safety Winter Warmer session for retired people at the Jolly Tanner pub, Statham Avenue, Orford, tomorrow (Thursday), and a series of videos and discussions on issues including disability, sexuality, drugs, health and discrimination.
Jan said: “Outside agencies including the National Blood Service, Warrington Disability Partnership and Arch Initiatives will be coming in to engage staff and students in debate and to offer information and advice on a range of issues.”
A special teaching pack has been issued to staff to incorporate diversity into lectures and a competition is being held for students to create a piece of artwork, writing, display or performance which best reflects equality and diversity.
Jan added: “Apart from staff and students, we’re involving the community in our Diversity Week.
“Everyone from the under fives to the elderly will be given the chance to join in our celebrations.”
Step out with
Wolfie – again
by Lesley Wilkinson
WARRINGTON Wolves and their mascot Wolfie are hoping to get people involved in a family fitness day at the Halliwell Jones Stadium.
The ?Step Out with Wolfie? Challenge is on February 22, from midday to 2pm, and is free of charge. It follows a similar event in October, which was attended by more than 290 families.
It is run by Warrington Primary Care Trust (PCT) and Warrington Wolves Rugby Club.
Families will be able to test their knowledge of healthy eating, learn how to juggle, ride a stunt bike or learn a new sport. There will also be quizzes and prizes.
The PCT’s assistant director of health improvement Sally Farrer said: “The great thing about the event is that it shows that exercise can be extremely good fun, as well as being vital for health and well being.”
Anyone interested in taking part in the day should contact Sally Farrer on 01925 843712 or email [email protected]
Bin wagon blaze
by staff reporter
FIRE crews were called to a council depot at New Cut Lane, Woolston, Warrington when fire broke out under a refuse wagon.
The blaze damaged piping on the underside of the vehicle but no-one was hurt.
A Fire Service spokesman said it appeared the wagon had been to a council tip to unload its cargo and a mattress had become lodged under the vehicle.
It was subject to friction as the lorry was driven to Woolston and eventually burst into flames.
[ 09.02.2006, 10:06:
Message edited by: DS ]
