Special delivery!
by Mark Hemmings
TOWN centre police officers helped perform a special delivery when an expectant mum went into labour in Bridge Street, Warrington.
Now the proud parents of a three-week-old baby girl have thanked Warrington’s town centre bobbies for coming to the rescue when mum, Sarah Dean, went into labour while shopping on Bridge Street!
PCSO Pauline Stanway was patrolling the busy town centre when a man rushed towards her asking for help.
Pauline explained: “A man came rushing towards me saying a woman was having a baby! I immediately went over and her husband told me she had gone into labour. I called for assistance on my radio, requesting an ambulance and was then joined by my colleague PC Simon Moodley.
“I tried to keep the couple calm and talked to them about the baby. They were with their five year old daughter Chloe, who I have to say, seemed unfazed by the whole situation!”
Up until recently Pauline was a Help Desk officer based at Arpley Street police station but she wasn’t anticipating almost becoming a midwife!
She added: “Sarah was having contractions and when she said they were about two minutes apart I knew the baby was well and truly on its way so we took her into a nearby shop to make her more comfortable.”
Shortly after paramedics arrived and baby Emma Jane was born in the ambulance weighing eight pounds, four ounces.
The officers had the chance to meet baby Emma for the first time when the family, from Great Sankey brought her into the police station at Arpley Street.
Emma’s parents James and Sarah said: “It was a different day out that’s all we can say! I think our advice to expectant mums would be ‘don’t go shopping on your due date!’ Unfortunately we don’t know who the man was who sought help for us. He said “good luck” and then was gone.”
Inspector Alex Kane, who is responsible for the town centre officers in Warrington, said: “We’re delighted that baby Emma and her family are doing well. It just goes to show the value of having dedicated community officers on patrol in the town centre who can provide people with help and reassurance in their time of need.”
The cost of saying
“no” to homes plan
by Terry Johnson
PROTESTORS who fought a tooth-and-nail battle against a Lymm housing development – and lost – have been left with ‘grave misgivings’ about the development’s likely impact on the area.
Objectors to the scheme for homes at Longbutt Lane/Oughtrington Lane are simmering with discontent after a Government planning inspector not only allowed an appeal against Warrington Council’s blocking of planning consent – but also awarded costs, which totalled ?109,449.O2.
The Bryant homes developemnt is now being built, with Council taxpayers picking up a whopping forfeit for the developers’ and appeal costs.
Protestors believed they could stop the building plan in its tracks and save rural land.
But the appeal inspector said planning councillors at Warrington rejected the advice of their officers in refusing consent to build. This was ‘unreasonable behaviour’. The Council did not have an arguable case.
He found the appellants should not have had to foot the cost of the appeal.
Local councillor Mrs Sheila Woodyatt, said: “This site is now being advertised as ‘Outstanding Rural Development’. But it will no longer be outstanding – or rural.
“Developers have all but destroyed Lymm – now we are paying them to do it! It is a disgrace. But we have to accept it.”
The Government inspector who conducted a public inquiry into the controversial development stated: ‘The Council’s concerns over the height of buildings and the impact of the development on the street scene were not supported by analysis or reasoning”.
A council spokesman said: “The Council’s advocate robustly tested the evidence of witnesses for the appellant. But ultimately their case was sound and capable of substantiation – whereas the Council’s was not”.
The Council’s bill was boosted by using a barrister and planning consultant to fight the case at inquiry.
Positive Action Awards
by Terry Johnson
PEOPLE and businesses who make ‘a real difference’ to the lives of the disabled and carers have received community Positive Action Awards.
At a ceremony at the Halliwell Jones stadium in Warrington, 18 winners were presented with their awards from more than 100 N-west nominations.
Winners included:
Those who have dedicated their lives to helping disabled people become more independent.
Small businesses that have changed their services to meet the needs of disabled customers.
Nationally recognised employers who are delivering strong support to disabled workers.
Volunteers who have preserved a heritage site, making it accessible to all.
Local organisations managed by disabled people who promote ’empowerment’. Steven Broomhead, Northwest Development Agency chief executive, who was one of the award winners in recongnition of his support for the initiative, said: “Disabled people make a valuable contribution to our region. These awards are great recognition of those who are making a real difference”.
The awards highlight community efforts on behalf of 1.4m disabled people and 750,000 carers in the region.
Festival Fears
unfounded!
by Lesley Wilkinson
FEARS that the Creamfields music festival held at Daresbury near Warrington would have an impact on Stockton Heath were largely unfounded it was reported.
Chairman Coun Celia Jordan told Stockton Heath Parish Council: “The event was less interrupting than we feared.
“It seemed to have no impact on the village,” she added.
Members were concerned about the noise from the music. Coun Graham Roughsedge said he could hear it where he lived, five miles away.
Coun Lynn Pester said: “There was disturbance by nuisance noise. It must have been unbearable for those living nearby.”
Members were concerned about the number of crime incidents reported from the festival. They heard that police, the borough council and other organisations would review the event.
Memorial service
by staff reporter
THE annual Cheshire Constabulary Memorial Service, will take place on Sunday September 24 from 10.30am at St James’ Church, Wilderspool Causeway, Warrington.
Amongst the dignitaries attending will be The High Sheriff of Cheshire Mr David Briggs, serving officers led by the Deputy Chief Constable and the Police Federation.
Joining them – retired officers represented by the National Association of Retired Police Officers and the widows and families of the 51 police officers from Cheshire Constabulary and constituent forces from around the region; will be remembered.
Football fun scores
for charity
by Mark Hemmings
FOOTBALL and fun in Warrington has raised ?1,000 for the Clatterbridge Hospital Children’s Cancer Department.
Thanks to the tournament and family day arranged by Poulton’s Community Partnership, the money will be spent on giving the ward a fresh coat of paint.
The Mayor of Warrington, Councillor Linda Dirir was there to show her support and to give out the medals and cups to the winning teams.
The event which was held in grounds of Chester University’s Padgate Campus did a lot for cross sport relations, as Warrington Rugby League Club’s mascot “Wolfie” supported the event.
Hit and run
by staff reporter
POLICE are appealing for witnesses following a hit and run incident on the A49 Brick Street, Warrington, on Thursday September 14.
A 35-year-old woman who was crossing the road near the entrance to the Cockhedge Shopping Park was struck by a dark coloured vehicle believed to be a Vauxhall Vectra, which failed to stop.
The car sped off towards Mersey Street. Any one who witnessed the accident is urged to ring Sgt Mike Jones on 01244 613813.
News in brief
Charity boost
STAFF from Vertex in Warrington will tomorrow (Tuesday) hand over a cheque for ?3,000 to members of the Shannon Bradshaw Trust in memory of the local youngster who tragically died before a bone marrow donor could be find to save her life.
Concern over plan
An Appleton couple’s plan to extend their bungalow home has been labelled ‘unneighbourly’.
The proposed 4.5 metre rear extension to the centre of the bungalow in Farnham Close has prompted concern by Appleton Parish Council.
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