Multi-mullion ? plan for
‘world class teaching
in world class buildings’
by Gary Skentelbery
A MULTI-MILLION pound building project at Warrington’s Priestley College will help provide “world class teaching in world class buildings.”
Already established as the town?s top performing sixth form, some ?7 million will have been invested by August 2007 in creating a new look sixth form campus to match an outstanding reputation for academic excellence.
The investment will consolidate the college?s ability to respond to the changes in sixth form curriculum including changes to A levels and the introduction of specialised diplomas.
The first ?1 million phase of the project, which is nearing completion, has seen the refurbishment of the existing main building, greatly improving access for the disabled and also work on the college grounds and on the entrance to the site.
Work has just begun on the second phase due to be completed by August next year, which will see a new building come into existence for teaching, the building will also house a large student services area and a high street standard food court.
Changes are also taking place in the area of the creative arts, which will see the formation of a new and high profile Performing Arts and Media centre on the back of recognition by the ?Good Schools Guide? for the best results nationally in performing arts.
As a College, Priestley believes it is essential to continue to invest and has already changed the look of the building greatly in the last number of years following the arrival of a brand new ?1 million Sports Centre as well as fresh catering and relaxation areas in the shape of JP?s Food Court and The Wicked Caf?.
The investment comes on the back of outstanding examination results with a pass rate of 99.3% with 34 out of 38 A-Level subjects having a faultless 100% record. The college is also proud of our 72% A-C grades at A-Level and 100% passes on 7 advanced vocational courses.
Principal Michael Southworth said: ?Investment in our young people is essential and we are thoroughly delighted with the way this project has gathered momentum already. ?7 million is a huge investment but we believe that our ?new look? will further inspire young people in Warrington and the surrounding areas to fulfil their ambitions.?
He added: ?We already know we have excellent teaching, a superb support system and the widest possible course options for our students. These facts coupled with the new campus development will reinforce our reputation as the leading institute for sixth form study in the town. The new development will mean that we are able to meet the increased demand for places at the college and accommodate the growth in numbers which we expect next year.
“We will be able to provide world class education in world class buildings.?
Mr Southworth believes the improvements taking place will continue to benefit both existing and new students in the future as the College reinforces its reputation for offering the widest choices to young people for sixth form study in the area.
Troublemakers face
total booze ban
by Lesley Wilkinson
TROUBLEMAKERS who are banned under the Pub Watch scheme in parts of Warrington may soon find they cannot buy a drink at any location.
Those affected in Woolston, Rixton and Glazebrook can now be banned from every licensed premise in the area – including not just pubs, social clubs and hotels but off-licences as well.
Following the success of the Pub Watch scheme in the area Cheshire Police and Trading Standards have joined forces with other licensees to create “Off-Licence Watch.”
Each month licensees from pubs, hotels, social clubs and off-licences meet to look at good working practices and discuss issues such as problem customers who may be in line for a ban
Newly recruited Police Community Support Officer Katie Morris and her colleague PC Anthony Blow have been distributing posters advertising the scheme to off-licences in the area.
PCSO Morris said: “Off-Licence Watch has already been established in Culcheth, Padgate and Birchwood and now Woolston, Rixton and Glazebrook can be added to the growing list of places where we are cracking down on alcohol related crime in and around licensed premises.”
Police said people who buy alcohol on behalf of those under 18 face severe penalties including a fine or being banned from all licensed premises.
PCSO Morris said: “Off-Licence Watch doesn’t replace Pub Watch, it’s an extension to the scheme and gives all supervisors of licensed premises the opportunity to work with one another and the police, tackle drink related disorder and prevent underage youths from buying alcohol.”
PC Blow added: “But it’s also sending out a clear message to troublemakers that there are consequences for their behaviour. By banning them from every licensed premise in an area we’re going to make it much harder for them to get hold of alcohol locally.”
Further information about the project is available from Warrington East Community Action Team on 0845 458 6390.
Top engineer takes the
plunge for mercy mission
by Lesley Wilkinson
A FORMER Warrington woman has set off to the Philippines on a two-year Voluntary Services Overseas project to help the local community.
Jean Billingsley, 41, who is the daughter of Marian and John Rutter of Mairesfield Avenue, Grappenhall, took the plunge with a sponsored parachute jump to help fund the adventure, raising ?1,500.
She previously attended St Augustine’s Junior School, Warrington, and then Loreto Grammar School in Altrincham, before going to Loughborough University.
After obtaining an Honours Degree in Mechanical Technology she worked for Rolls Royce, and later as commercial manager at Alstom in Leicester.
She is a member of the Institute of Mechanical Engineers, obtaining chartered membership and going on to become a Fellow – one of the youngest to obtain this – at 35.
Jean will be based in Manilla and will work on renewable energy projects.
She said: “This is something I have really wanted to do for a long time. It is something worthwhile to help the community and also a valuable experience.”
Her father John, a chartered engineer and project manager, said:” We are both immensely proud of her and will miss her.”
Arts forum
launched
by staff reporter
A NEW forum aimed at promoting the creative development of young people was launched in Warrington yesterday (Wednesday).
ENYAN, the first National Youth Arts Network for England, had its North West launch at the Pyramid and Parr Hall. This follows a national launch in London in June by David Lammy MP, Minister for Culture.
The organisation aims at forming more opportunities for the creative and personal development of young people, especially young people at risk. It is hoped that youth arts workers from the region will get involved.
Development manager for ENYAN Anna Rubycz said: “ENYAN exists to support anyone working with young people, using or wishing to employ a creative approach. The more people involved, the greater the opportunities.”
The network will offer a range of services including online advice, news, details of events training and jobs.
Help at hand for victims
of domestic violence
by Lesley Wilkinson
A DOMESTIC violence storyline in a popular “soap” has attracted eight million viewers – but for anyone affected by the real life issue help is available in Warrington.
Viewers have been gripped by the conflict between Eastenders characters Denise Fox and Owen Turner.
The Relationships Centre, a local charity that provides support to those affected by violent, abusive relationships, welcomes the storyline that highlights the difficulties for victims trying to secure a conviction.
Marissa Hankinson, charity spokesperson, said: “We along with the Halton Domestic Violence
Forum supports the need for a strong response to domestic abuse and we are pleased that the BBC is highlighting such a difficult topic.
“It is of paramount importance that there is on-going support to victims and witnesses through the court process. We are one of the first organisations to be involved in supporting victims accessing the Special Domestic Violence Courts,” she added.
New rules to be
enforced by council
by Lesley Wilkinson
NEW rules aimed at curtailing the time spent on public participation have been introduced by Stockton Heath Parish Council.
The move follows an adjournment of almost two hours for public comments at the July meeting. The meeting started at 7.30pm, and public participation did not end until 9.30pm.
Now following changes in Standing Orders, the parish council will allow a maximum of a 30-minute adjournment.
Each member of the public will only be allowed to speak for three minutes and will not be allowed to speak more than once on each topic.
Chairman Coun Celia Jordan said: ” A two-hour adjournment is too long. By the time this is finished we are all too tired to get on with the meeting.”
Coun Lynn Pester said: “We have to make a point not to get into debate with people. People coming back on points is not on.”
Coun Jordan said members were not “tin gods” but the meetings had to be controlled. She said parish councillors were able to question the public if there were points that needed clarifying, but the public could only speak once on each issue.”
