Green light for
new schools
But no decision on Woolston or Padgate
by Lesley Wilkinson
A MAJOR review of secondary schools in Warrington has been approved with new schools to go ahead at Culcheth and William Beamont in multi-million pound redevelopments.
But there will be further consultations over the futures of two other schools at Padgate and Woolston High Schools despite claims it will cause “anger, stress and anxiety,” for those involved at the schools including pupils, parents and staff.
The plans, under the Building Schools for the Future Programme, were approved by Warrington Borough Council’s Executive Board following major public consultation.
Leader of the council Coun Ian Marks (pictured) said: “The consultation exercise was a huge success. We have listened to what people have said to us.
“The school at William Beamont is closely linked with the exciting Orford Park Project but until we are clearer about this project it would be wrong to go with this first,” he added.
Under the plan, sixth form provision in both central and eastern parts of the town will also be retained to meet public demand.
“There was a strong wish from people in the Padgate and Woolston areas for this and we have taken their views on board. There will now be a period of more consultation about the nature of school provision in this part of town,” added Coun Marks.
“We fully understand the vital role these high schools play in the community and this must be recognised in whatever is finally put forward. There may well be some new options that can be looked at.”
Coun Sheila Woodyatt said: “The recommendations were as a result of public consultation. We hadn’t made any decisions and we said we would listen to what the people wanted and we did.
“The people have spoken and we have listened,” she added.
She said further consultation in Padgate and Woolston was necessary because people saw these as “the heart of the community”. She said a more “holistic approach” would be carried out in the review, looking also at the leisure facilities connected to the schools.
Labour councillors had been concerned that a further period of consultation would cause “anger and dismay” among parents, pupils and staff.
Labour’s education spokesperson Coun Maureen Banner said prior to the meeting that the future of Padgate and Woolston High Schools remained uncertain and would cause “anxiety and stress” for those connected with the schools.
Work could start at Culcheth in 2009 and at William Beamont in 2016.
Hoax call sparks
canal rescue mission
by Gary Skentelbery
A HOAX call claiming someone had jumped into the Manchester Ship Canal at Latchford, Warrington, resulted in a full scale rescue operation involving the police and fire services during the night.
As a result of two separate calls saying someone was shouting they were going to kill themself and another call saying a splash had been heard at Latcford locks, a police helicopter was launched along with fire service rescue boats.
For more than an hour 15 firemen and a dozen police officers searched the waters only to discover the call had been hoax, apparently from a former fireman who retired 15 years ago.
World Cup winner
switches codes!
report and picture by James Balme
BETTER known for his World Cup exploits as a member of the winning England team in 1966 Roger Hunt has “swapped codes” and become Patron of Warrington Wolves Foundation. In his new role the world cup winner was on hand to officially launch a new fundraising venture, the Patron Society at the Halliwell Jones Stadium.
As a player he just needed a sniff of goal to score and his fitness and determination made him an England regular and a constant thorn in the opposition’s side. Hunt , who lives in Culcheth, spent 10 years at Liverpool, winning the Division Two title in 1962, the Division One Championship in 1964 and 1966 and the FA Cup in 1964. He was also a member of the 1966 world cup squad and played in every match of the tournament including the final. But Roger started his career playing for the Stockton Heath team now known as Warrington Town FC, has changed codes to lend his support to the Wolves and ‘ The Foundation’. He said: ‘ I was asked to become a Patron of the Wolves Foundation last year and I am delighted to support their charitable activities. During a visit to the stadium I walked the community floor and met the staff and fully realised the commitment the Foundation has made to the community of Warrington.’ As a registered charity the Foundation aims to be self-funding and the Patron Society is one of a number of income generating initiatives.
Picture shows Roger teeing off with youngsters who benefit from the Foundation.
Street stars
launch new shop
A hat-trick of Coronation Street stars heralded the opening of a new designer clothes shop in Stockton Heath village.
Tina O’Brien who plays Sarah Platt performed the official opening watched by by fellow stars Ryan Thomas, alias Jason Grimshaw and Steve Arnold who plays Ashley Peacock.
The shop has been opened by local women Joanna Kriesler and Paula Fogg.
Police hunt
shooting victim
by staff reporter
POLICE are hunting a window cleaner who was repeatedly shot in the head by a man armed with an air pistol following an argument in a Warrington car park.
Witnesses saw the two men arguing in Rolleston Street around 2.30pm on September 8 when one man pulled out the pellet gun.
He fired several times into the back of the head of the victim who was carrying a bucket and ladder.
Both men left the scene before police arrived.
Any one with details should contact the police on 01244 613847.
Knife raiders grab
restaurant cash
by staff reporter
TWO masked men burst into a Lymm restaurant and threatened staff while brandishing long knives.
Terrified staff were forced to hand over cash as robbers fled in a getaway car which had been stolen from the Manchester area.
The car was later abandoned in Stage Lane, Lymm, where the men were seen to get into a Ford Orion car driven by a third man.
Police would like to hear from anyone who witnessed the incident or saw the Orion vehicle following the robbery which took place at 2pm on Monday September 11.
Although members of staff were shaken no one was hurt. Any one with information should contact Pc Stuart Eales on 0845 4580000.
Festive cheer
by staff reporter
CHRISTMAS should be extra special in Stockton Heath this year aftre members of the local council agreed to spend ?1,800 on new tree lights.
Stockton Heath Parish Council approved new lights for the 30 feet high Christmas tree and the five natural trees in Victoria Square.
The lights will be switched on Friday December 1 at 6pm. Choirs from Stockton Heath Primary School and St Thomas’ CE Primary School will sing at the ceremony.
Coun Celia Jordan said: “The village is always very special at Christmas.”
