“Who pays?” row delays
massive jobs project
by David Skentelbery
WRANGLING over who should pay for vital road improvements is holding up progress on Warrington?s biggest employment area – seven years after the green light was given for a new junction on the M62 to clear the way for the development.
Omega Developments Ltd., who plan to develop nearly 500 acres alongside the motorway, creating up to 12,000 jobs, have locked horns with Warrington Borough Council.
The company has already contributed ?35 million towards motorway widening and creating the new Junction 8 and has pledged to spend another ?33 million on further improvements to the motorway and other local roads.
But it says the council’s request for a ?25 million bond to cover other road works is “completely unjustified.”
Council chiefs say they are simply protecting all parties – including the local community – who would suffer traffic chaos if a proper solution to congestion problems was not achieved.
The company will be making a presentation to council officers and executive members on September 7 – but neither side seems willing to compromise.
Highways Agency chiefs are concerned about a traffic-overload situation at Junction 8 which already needs improvements, even though Omega – which it was designed to cater for when it was approved in 1999 – has still not been built.
The Omega site – which includes part of the former US airbase at Burtonwood – first went on the market in 1987 when it was described as the North West’s “jewel in the crown.”
Since then the Swedish furniture giant IKEA, Marks and Spencer and a number of other firms have built stores on part of the land, but the majority remains empty.
Coun Brian Axcell, the borough council’s executive member for environment services said: “Our officers are right to take a tough stance on this. There will be no benefit to Warrington in getting a large scale development if it brings more traffic congestion with it. It is all a question of balance and the developer must pay to mitigate the situation.
“Traffic is already a serious problem in Warrington – and particularly in that part of the borough. But we hope to be able to reach agreement.”
Sex attack on
young mother
by John Hendon
POLICE are hunting a man who carried out a sex attack on a young mother as she walked at a Warrington beauty spot with her four-year-old child.
The 22-year-old woman was walking at Lymm Dam at lunchtime when she was approached by a balding, bare-chested man.
He exposed himself to her ? and then indecently assaulted her before running off.
The man was aged 44-55, about 5ft 8 inches tall of medium build with broad shoulders. He was balding, with grey hair on the side. He was wearing blue denim jeans and white training shoes.
Police have questioned a 48-year-old local man but released him without charge.
They are seeking witnesses of the attack who should call DC Jackie Daniels or DC Ian Hanson on 01244 613845.
Search on for potential
“green business parks”
by David Skentelbery
GREEN business parks may be created in Warrington following the success of a groundbreaking scheme in Cheshire.
Cheshire and Warrington Economic Alliance (CWEA) is to plough ?30,000 into a study to identify five further suitable sites.
Up to 35 potential locations will be studied ? some of them in Warrington – with existing businesses on the sites fully consulted.
The project, led by Groundwork, aims to build on the success of Winsford Industrial Estate which was the UK’s first Green Business Park to become a Business Improvement District.
Sites chosen could benefit from investment totalling ?2.2 million over the next three years.
CWEA chief executive Martin Lee said: “This project carries many benefits both to local people and businesses, including safeguarding and creation of jobs, reduction in crime levels, improved landscaping and signage and better environmental management.
“It has led to new businesses investing in the park. The Winsford project has demonstrated that this is a formula that works, so we are delighted to support it.”
Greville Kelly, development director of Groundwork, said: “The Winsford business community has grasped the concept of organising themselves into a forum for collective action. The companies are aiming for continuous improvements to the estate, which will ensure lasting economic success for the 106 individual companies as well as supporting 4000 local jobs.”
GCSE results again “well
above national average”
by staff reporter
GSCE results in Warrington are continuing to be well above the national average.
Around 2,500 16-year-olds in borough schools have received their GCSE results ? and early indications from schools suggest that success rates continue to improve and that more than 65 per cent of pupils have achieved five or more passes grade A*-C.
Last year, 61 per cent of pupils achieved 5 or more A*-C grades – four percentage points more than the national average.
This year, 93 per cent of pupils achieved five or more GCSEs (including English and maths), three percentage points more than the national average.
Last year, Warrington’s GCSE performance ranked 18th out of 149 English Local Education Authorities and second highest in the North West.
Coun Sheila Woodyatt, the borough council?s executive member for Children’s Services, said: “I would like to congratulate both school staff and pupils on successes this year.
“Warrington’s performance continues to improve at a higher rate than other areas. Our 18th national ranking last year was an improvement from 24th place the previous year.”
The Department for Education and Skills (DfES) produces Performance Tables of GCSE results in mid-November. These can be obtained at that time from the DfES by phoning 0800 24 23 22 or direct from their website www.dfes.gov.uk/performancetables/
Show homes open on
new housing development
by staff reporter
THREE show homes have opened on a major new housing development on the site of the former Rylands/Carrington wire works off Battersby Lane, Warrington.
Warrington-based Countryside Homes is building traditional style houses, low rise apartment buildings, a children?s play area on the site.
There are four bedroomed houses and one and two bedroomed apartments.
A large open public space is also being provided, along with gardens and proposals for the area also include a small business park suitable for light industrial use.
To mark the launching of a sales office on the site, Countryside are sponsoring 24-year-old Warrington Wolves player Stuart Reardon.
Michaela Lancaster, sales director said: “Sport, whether it is national or local, is a great way to engage with the community as it touches so many people’s lives.
?Warrington Wolves RLFC is our new neighbour at Carrington Park and the success of the club means so much to the town.
“We are delighted to be working with Stuart and look forward to a successful relationship with the club as Carrington Park evolves to become Warrington’s new urban quarter.”
Pensioner attacked
and robbed in street
by staff reporter
A PENSIONER was attacked and robbed in a town centre street at Warrington.
The 70-year-old man was punched in the face and knocked to the ground outside James Lee House, in Brick Street.
The offenders took property from him and walked away.
Police said a man in his 40s and a woman in her 30s had been questioned in connection with the incident.
They are appealing for witnesses of the attack who should call DC Ian Hanson on 01244 613845.
Peace Centre to
honour Mo Mowlam
by Lesley Wilkinson
FORMER Northern Ireland Secretary the late Mo M
owlam will be honoured in Warrington today (Friday).
The Tim Parry Johnathan Ball Trust, based at the Peace Centre, Warrington, will be renaming its residential lounge, The Mo Mowlan Lounge in her honour.
The educational peace charity was set up after the IRA bombing of Warrington, which killed the two boys after whom it is named.
Founder Wendy Parry said: “Mo did so much in our early days to help Colin and I to find not only the finances but also the will to pursue our dream of building a dedicated and unique centre for young people everywhere who are at risk of violent conflict.
“We are delighted that Mo’s husband, Jon Norton will be our chief guest of honour and will personally open the refurbished and re-named room.?
