Planners urged to approve
controversial shops scheme
by David Skentelbery
PLANNING chiefs at Warrington are being urged to approve controversial plans for a three storey apartment building with shops on the ground floor, overlooking historic Lymm Cross.
Hundreds of villagers have signed protest petitions, 35 nearby residents have objected and there are also objections from Lymm Parish Council, Domville Close Residents Association and Lymm and district Local History Society.
Borough councillors Sheila Woodyatt and Ian Marks have also lodged objections.
The application is due to be considered by the borough?s development control committee tomorrow (Thursday) ? and planning officers are recommending it be approved.
A detached house would be demolished to make way for the scheme.
Objectors say the proposed building is too high and would dwarf Lymm Cross.
There are also concerns about traffic, parking , the visual impact on the village and the loss of a relatively green tranquil space on the edge of the village centre.
Some objectors question the need for more retailing in Lymm.
But planning officers say the development positively enhances the character and appearance of the Lymm Conservation Area.
The existing house contributes nothing to the character of the area and its replacement by an appropriately designed building would enhance the area?s character.
There is no clear basis for any objection to additional retail development, they say.
Highways engineers say there is no reason to object to the proposal.
Tale of ugly, smelly,
nasty people!
by Lesley Wilkinson
A TALE of “two ugly, smelly, nasty people” who play nasty tricks on each other, will be brought to life by youngsters at Warrington’s Pyramid Arts Centre.
Roald Dahl’s “The Twits” will be performed tomorrow (Thursday) by the Pyramid Junior Youth Theatre.
It tells the story of Mr and Mrs Twit who play tricks on each other and are cruel to animals, including gluing birds to trees and tormenting their pet monkeys.
Then, one day, the arrival of the Roly-Poly Bird from Africa allows the monkeys to get their revenge.
Directed and choreographed by group tutor Karen Barnes, the show will be acted out by 22 youngsters aged between seven and 11. It is described as a fun production featuring audience interaction.
Karen said: “Having worked hard on their performance skills, the Junior Theatre kids were desperate to do a full play and we immediately chose ‘The Twits.’ They loved putting this production together and I am still overwhelmed by their level of commitment.”
Tickets are ?6 and ?5, and more information is available from the box office on 01925 442345 or via the website at www.pyramid.org.uk
Business wins “free
office” competition
by business staff
A WARRINGTON business has won the coveted prize of a free office for a year in a competition run by the Genesis Centre, Birchwood.
Time to Care, which provides a non-medical care service for the elderly and those who need help at home, have moved into their new headquarters. The fully-refurbished premises has been fitted with an up-to-date phone system.
Genesis Centre manager Jennifer Pratt said: “Time to Care were worthy winners of this super prize – they demonstrated just what we wanted, namely, a new business with masses of potential for growth.
“Their entry showed passion and professionalism for what they wanted to do, which we believe all start-up businesses need to succeed. They receive a prize of a free office lease for a year with costs such as business and water rates paid for, their only accommodation outgoings for 2006 will be electricity bills.?
Lesley McMillan, managing director of Time to Care, said: “Our lives are so busy these days that we don’t get as much time to care as we would like. My business is about making a difference to the people of Warrington and winning this competition has helped me to make that difference.
“The business will provide direct employment for over 30 members of staff in the first year. Without this magnificent prize I would not have been able to employ so many people, it has given the whole business a boost from the very start.?
Student Bernadette rubs
shoulders with the famous
by staff reporter
TALENTED make-up student Bernadette Evans has been rubbing shoulders with some of the country’s most famous faces.
The 19-year-old beauty student was invited to a star-studded event at London’s exclusive Hilton Hotel, after winning the Warrington Collegiate’s ?Beauty Showdown?.
During the night she had the opportunity of making-up former Atomic Kitten star Kerry Katona ? also from Warrington.
Bernadette, of Burtonwood, said: “The launch was a brilliant experience I’ll always remember.” During the evening she metcelebrities such as Max Clifford, members of the GMTV team and You Are What You Eat’s Gillian McKeith.
The results of her make-up work will be published in a celebrity lifestyle magazine.
Bernadette, who is now in her final year at Warrington Collegiate, says she is looking forward to similar experiences in the future when she finishes her photographic make-up course to pursue a career as a professional make up artist.
An evening of
pure indulgence
by Lesley Wilkinson
AN evening of “pure indulgence” is offered for men and women at Warrington Central Library, Museum Street, on Friday March 31 from 7pm to 9pm.
Visitors will be able to explore the secrets of health and beauty and discover the benefits of well being with free samples and bite-size taster sessions, guaranteed to make them feel good.
Exhibitors will be on hand to offer help and advice, and visitors will also be able to browse the shelves, join the library and borrow items on the night.
One of the books in a special display will hold a secret barcode and the lucky borrower will win a voucher for a beauty salon.
A library spokesman said: “Remember pure indulgence is not restricted to women, so come on men, you need to look after yourselves too!”
Community action meeting
RESIDENTS of Culcheth, will be able to discuss problems of crime, disorder, traffic, etc when police hold a Community Action Meeting at Newchurch Parish Hall tonight (Wednesday). The meeting starts at 7.30pm and anyone is entitled to attend.
