School’s fate to be
settled tonight?
by David Skentelbery
THE future of Stockton Heath Primary School looks set to be decided at a special meeting of Warrington?s development control committee tonight (Monday).
More than 5,000 people have signed a petition opposing the borough council?s plan to demolish the existing school and replace it with a new one.
In addition, Walton Parish Council has lodged objections ? and Stockton Heath Parish Council, while supporting the scheme generally ? has expressed some concerns about the proposals.
The objectors want the existing 96-year-old school refurbished because of its architectural and historic interest.
But council chiefs say complete demolition will be cheaper and quicker ? and cause less disruption to children?s education.
The special meeting has been called because of the sensitivity of the proposals and the amount of opposition voiced by local people.
Stockton Heath Parish Council voted by 11-2 not to oppose the scheme. But their support is subject to the provision of a safe pedestrian route to the school from the Forge car park, increased ?school keep clear? signs on the roads around the schoo9l and the implementation of 20mph speed limits on roads around the school.
Planning officers say the existing building, while attractive, does not meet the necessary criteria for statutory Listing.
A survey of the existing building has shown the basement to be in a poor condition, window lintels failing and the roof to be leaking. It also fails to meet disabled access requirements.
Many classrooms are too small, offices are poorly located and halls are too small. Playground security is poor.
History going
under the hammer
by Gary Skentelbery
DESCRIBED as the “greatest comeback of all time” a little piece of history is going under the auctioneer’s hammer to help raise funds for Warrington’s pioneering peace centre.
A limited edition print, signed by Liverpool’s European Cup winning team has been donated to the peace centre by local businessman Alan Grant from AKG Management.
Signed by all 16 players in the Liverpool squad who came back from 3-0 down at half time to beat AC Milan on penalties during the memorable Champions League Final in Instanbul last May, the picture is the work of Irish artist Colin Gibson, who was one of the 45,000 Liverpool fans who attended the match.
With a limited run of 200, it is only one of five signed by the team thanks to the efforts of local businessman Gary Hayes through his contacts at the club. Gary is also donating a signed Liverpool shirt to the Trust.
Alan, who also attended the final, said: “For those who were lucky enough to be at the game it will live on in their memory for life. It was an unbelievable experience.
“The painting captures the occasion seen through the eyes of the artist. This is a rare opportunity for someone to own a piece of history.”
The print will be auctioned off at a charity golf day being organised by the peace centre at the Portal Golf and Country Club, Tarporley on May 10. The event is open to teams of four for an all inclusive ?275 per team, including dinner and entertainment.
For more information on the golf day or to make a telephone bid for the signed print contact Wendy Parry at the peace centre on 01925 581234 or email [email protected]
Masked men in raid
on security van
by John Hendon
TWO masked men got away with a quantity of cash after attacking security guards outside a Warrington bank.
The raid was at Lloyds-TSB bank in Knutsford Road, Warrington.
A security van was making a delivery to the bank when two men, both wearing stocking masks, attacked the security guards.
There was a brief struggle outside the bank before the raiders made-off in a car.
A short time later a black BMW was set alight in the Lockett Street area of Warrington and two men – still wearing stocking masks – were seen to leave the scene in a silver car, possibly a Ford Focus or Ford Mondeo.
Police are appealing for witnesses of either the robbery or the incident in Lockett Street to come forward.
Awards celebrate school’s
dazzling art performances
by staff reporter
DAZZLING performances marked the second Artsmark ceremony for Warrington Schools.
The awards celebrate Warrington schools’ contribution to the arts and celebrate the achievements of schools that have gained the Artsmark quality mark last year.
Three more schools have successfully applied for the award – St Barnabas CE Primary, Artsmark; Sycamore Lane Primary School, Great Sankey, Artsmark; and Dallam Primary, Artsmark Gold.
All three schools were presented with a certificate by Coun Colin Froggatt, the borough council’s executive member for children’s services, and the Deputy Mayor, Coun Linda Dirir.
An Artsmark ceremony would not be complete without performances, and on this occasion five schools awarded with Artsmark last year returned to provide some short items of entertainment.
Performances on this occasion included a full range of items from instrumental to vocal and a drama piece by a group of GCSE students.
Coun Froggatt said: “Artsmark is without doubt an excellent way to audit the arts provision in schools and at a time when creativity is at the forefront of curriculum development. The quality of the performances was outstanding, which shows how much work is going on in schools towards this subject.”
There are three separate awards that a school can apply for – Artsmark, Artsmark Silver and Artsmark Gold. Schools can apply from July/August each year and completed applications have to be submitted to the Arts Council of England by the end of November.
Residents’ association
seeks more members
by John Hendon
A RESIDENTS’ association set up less than two years ago is seeking more members.
Culcheth Resident’s Association holds its annual general meeting on May 11 at the Age Concern Centre in Jackson Avenue, Culcheth.
But currently the organisation has only about a dozen active members and feels it needs more to represent local residents adequately.
The association meets monthly at the Jackson Avenue centre to discuss local concerns and ways to improve the life and conditions of people living in the village.
Golden Gates Housing – the company which manages council-owned dwellings across the borough – is represented at all meetings. But the association is open to all residents, including owner-occupiers.
The next monthly meeting is on April 6 – and both meetings start at 7pm.
Further details can be obtained from the Tenant Participation Officer, Golden Gates Housing on 0800 1959195.
Construction firm’s
new chief
by Terry Johnson
A MAN who successfully led a ?60m homes improvement contract has been promoted by Warrington-based Cruden construction group.
Paul Chrippes,46, business unit manager for the past three years, becomes managing-director of subsidiary company, Cruden Mechanical Services.
He led a major housing contract at Rochdale, establishing an area office for Cruden with 400 staff and operatives.
Paul has 26 years managerial experience in the construction industry. His new role will be managing a highly specialised team that develops heating and plumbing solutions.
Woman “talked down”
in riverside drama
by staff reporter
POLICE and fire crews were called to Victoria Park, Warrington when a woman threatened to throw herself into the Mersey at Howley Weir.
Fire crews were ready with a rescue boat in case the woman – aged about 29-30 – had carried out her threat.
But police officers manage to “talk her down” and persuade her not to jump.
Later the woman was taken to hospital unharmed.
