Free mobile phones for
domestic violence victims
by Terry Johnson
POLICE are to hand out mobile ‘phones to victims of domestic violence at Warrington.
Fifty mobiles will keep victims and ?vulnerable witnesses? in touch with police public protection units.
The ‘phones are number-locked and can only be used for 999 emergency calls.
They have been donated by Virgin Mobile to help provide a fast link to the police.
Police spokesman Karl Williams said: “A domestic violence victim may not have access to a ‘phone of their own – or it may be difficult for them to call from a ‘phone which is in a house shared with an abusive partner.
“For those living in a shelter or refuge, getting to a ‘phone in an emergency may also be less straight-forward than it sounds.
“This link gives a sense of security and safety at a time of difficulty”.
Domestic violence and witness intimidation are issues receiving a strong police response. Three public protection units were launched last year to deal with cases of rape, domestic violence and child abuse.
Town’s plans blueprint
is finally revealed
by staff reporter
THE ?Holy Grail? of planning the future Warrington has now been revealed.
After nearly six years of mulling over and a lengthy public inquiry, the town’s Unitary Development Plan is published in its final version.
The map is of intense interest to developers circling Warrington as it indicates which sites can – and which cannot – be built on.
It is also special to community groups concerned about the march of homes, offices and warehousing into the countryside and green spaces within urban areas.
The plan shows the protective Green Belt in full.
A borough council spokeswoman said: “Planning started in 2000, leading to a public inquiry throughout 2004.
“The final version has received significant support from local communities – particularly those concerned about loss of countryside to development”.
The plan is on the Council’s website at www.warrington.gov.uk/news/udp
Geology students’
Icelandic adventure
by Mark Hemmings
GEOLOGY students from Warrington’s Priestley College broke new ground with a trip to Iceland.
They spent six days in the country – and crammed as much as possible into the time.
A highlight of the visit was a dip in the world famous Blue Lagoon – Iceland’s natural health spa of geothermal pools.
It was the ideal way to relax before the work really began as over the course of the following week, they visited a power station, took in the sights and sounds at Geysir, studied the glaciers and also looked at Iceland’s beautiful coastal scenery with extensive dune formations, caves, arches, stacks and stumps.
A tourist visit to the city of Reykjavik at the end of the week was a fitting climax to one of the college’s most ambitious fieldwork trips.
Geology tutor Gillian Finucane said: “Visiting Iceland was an awesome experience for all involved. From the first day until the last there was plenty of work to be done and I’m sure the experience will live with the students for some time to come.
“Iceland as a country offers so much to geologists and its rich landscape provided our students with a plethora of practical opportunities that they could only have previously dreamt about.”
New drop-in centre
for the disabled
by John Hendon
A NEW ?drop-in? centre for people with disabilities and carers is to be set up in Warrington.,BR. Marie Brown, who has worked in respite care with St Helens Borough Council, has established a service in St Helens which helps people with disabilities and arranges holidays for carers and craft activities.
Success of this service and demand from the Warrington area has led Marie to plan start-up of a similar venture in the town-centre, with a June 14 launch.
Self-development
project for teens
by John Hendon
TEENS are being given the chance to take part in a unique self-development project at Warrington Peace Centre.
Warrington Youth Club’s ‘Loud and Clear’ venture for people between 12 and 20 is aimed at providing skills in youth work and having a say as part of a youth forum.
Opportunities are provided during a 12-week course to gain vital skills training and be challenged as a volunteer.
The next training programme starts in June and will run on Mondays, between 6.30-8.30pm.
Places can be booked with Development Manager, Sarah Harris, on 01925-581248.
Residents’ views sought
on fast changing town
by staff reporter
RESIDENTS of fast-changing Warrington are to be asked which parts of the historic town centre they would like to see preserved.
The inner core of Warrington is being dramatically re-moulded by development and there is a danger that the best of the past could be lost.
The townscape of five existing Conservation Areas – Bridge Street, Buttermarket Street, Church Street, Palmyra Square and the Town Hall – is under review ?to help safeguard their future?.
Feedback from the public will be incorporated in a management plan for these historic areas.
People have until May 12 to register their views, comments and ideas on 01925-442846.
School staff in
charity walk
by staff reporter
TEACHERS, assistants, office and canteen staff at Glazebury Primary School near Warrington, will be striding out in the 13-mile St Rocco’s ?Starlight Walk? on June 16.
Staff of the Warrington Road school hope to raise ?1,000 through sponsorship for the hospice.
