Three boys charged with murder
THREE teenage boys have appeared in court charged with the murder of 47-year-old Warrington father Garry Newlove.
Two 15-year-olds, both from Wigan, and a 16-year-old from Orford, Warrington, were remanded in custody until next Monday, August 20, when they will appear at Warrington Youth Court.
All three are too young to be named.
Today’s hearing was at Runcorn Youth Court..
Tragic last letter
from a little girl to
her dying father
by David Skentelbery
THE family of tragic murder victim Garry Newlove have released a moving letter written by his youngest daughter as he lay dying in Warrington Hospital.
In it, 12-year-old Amy, tells her father how much she and the rest of the family love him, urges him to fight his injuries and promises to look after him and their mother.
Tragically, the 47-year-old father of three daughters, never got to see the letter.
Mr Newlove (pictured) died of injuries received after he confronted a gang of yobs who had been vandalising property outside his home in Station Road North, Padgate.
The full text of Amy’s letter is as follows:
“To Daddy
“I am unable to see you right now as you are too ill, but I know you can fight this as you are a strong, loving man who I know loves me no matter what. I am asking you to be strong and don’t give in as I love you too much to believe that you won’t go without a fight.
“I had a dream last night that you woke up. You were fine except you didn’t know me at all! If that did happen and you didn’t know me I would still try to help you remember. I will stick by you while you are in hospital and I will take care of mummy. I can’t get across to you how much I will miss you and I don’t know what I would do without you.
“You have always been there for me when I am down and you always put a smile on my face (even if it is a rubbish joke) You mean the world to me and I wouldn’t change you for the world. When you get out of here I will be there with a big smile on my face. I hope you can hear me right now as I hope it will give you more strength and determination as to wake up. I thought I saw Nana Newlove’s face in the TV last night and I keep seeing her. I know she is here with you, looking out for you and probably offering cornflakes or Thornton’s toffee. I love you will all my heart, so please don’t give in. We are all taking care of you and Mummy
“We will deeply miss you and I want you to know you are the best Dad anyone can ask for. I love you so much and I do hope you can fight this. I love you! From your darling daughter, who loves you so much and from the whole family.
“WE LOVE YOU!! AND DON’T GIVE IN!!
XXXXXXOOOOOXXX”
A total of 10 youths have been questioned in connection with Mr Newlove’s death. Three were released without charge early yesterday and three more last night. One was only arrested yesterday and remains in custody.
Three have been charged with murder.
It is understood Mr Newlove had been concerned about anti-social behaviour by gangs of youths in the Padgate area for some time. He had contacted local councillors about setting up a Neighbourhood Watch scheme and was pressing for the installation of CCTV cameras in the area.
Warrington Borough Council and Cheshire Police have issued a joint statement about the murder. It reads:
“We are all deeply saddened by the tragic death of Mr Newlove and our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends.
“The council, ward councillors and the police have been working together with the community to tackle their concerns and as a result we have seen improvements in recent months. This is a tragic isolated incident but we would like to reassure local residents that we will be continuing to work together to support them and make a difference to their community.”
Warrington North MP Helen Jones said: ?At this very sad time my thoughts and prayers go out to Mr Newlove?s family and friends. This was an appalling incident and I hope that the perpetrators are caught and severely punished.
?I have spoken to Inspector Derek Lockie who is now carrying out a complete review of what can be done to improve safety and security in the area. Residents are calling for CCTV in the area and I will be asking both Warrington Borough Council and the police to consider this option.?
Rushbearing ceremony
blessed with good weather
LYMM?S annual Rushbearing Day was, for once, blessed with glorious weather.
Villagers paraded through the streets, led by the Mayor of Warrington, Coun Celia Jordan and her consort, Mr Roy Jefferson, and accompanied by Morris Dancers.
All taking part carried rushes ? symbolic of the rushes which at one time covered the floors of St Mary?s Parish Church.
Rushbearing Day dates from medieval times and at one time provided Lymm with an extra ?bank holiday? when it was held on a Monday and all the local shops and banks closed.
Some time around the Second World War, the custom faded it out but it was revived in the 1970s and now enjoys considerable local support.
Organiser Chris Limb, who has been involved in every event since the revival save the first, said: ?The custom dates from the times when the church was carpeted with reeds, or rushes, which after 12 months or so got a little smelly and had to be replaced.
?In those days the procession included a cart loaded with rushes. Today we carry rushes as a symbol.
?We don?t usually get weather like this ? but it is very welcome.?
After the procession, a special service was held in the church.
Holly lands role
in new TV drama
by Garry Skentelbery
A FORMER Warrington schoolgirl who starred in Grange Hill for five years has landed a leading role in a new TV drama.
Holly Quin-Ankrah, aged 19, a former Bridgewater High School pupil from Appleton, successfully auditioned for a lead role in “Rock Rivals,” which is based on an X-Factor style singing competition.
Holly plays the lead role of “Bethany” who wins through to the final.
She is currently in Ireland filming the programme which is due to be screened on ITV next Spring.
Commenting on her new role after playing the part of Karen Young in Grange Hill since she was 14, Holly said: “This is my biggest career break to date.
” She has previously done agency work and bridal exhibitions and engaged the services of Warrington based photographer Nick Giles to build up a portfolio of pictures, based in her home town.
Nick said: “Holly is an absolute natural and a dream to work with. Not only is she attractive she is also a really really nice person.”
Planning battle over
take-away food ban
by John Hendon
PLANNING bosses are being urged to lift a ban on take-away sales at a Thai restaurant at Stockton Heath, Warrington.
Stockton Heath Parish Council has lodged an objection an application by the Tammarin Thai Restaurant at Victoria Buildings for the removal of a planning condition which prevents the sale of hot take-away food.
The issue is to be debated by the borough council?s development control committee.
Officers say take-away food has been sold from the restaurant, contrary to the planning condition. But this has been stopped following an approach by the council and the restaurant operators have applied for permission to resume selling take-away food.
The reason for the condition was to protect the character and amenities of surrounding properties ? but officers now believe takeaway sales would not be detrimental to the area.
They say there would be no changes to the external appearance of the building, that the nearest dwellings are about 50 metres away on East Avenue Proximity of the police station would deter anti-social behaviour and there are ample parking facilities within walking distance.
Stockton Heath Parish Council says there were long discussions leading to
the original condition. The restaurant is close to a very busy junction and although parking spaces are available nearby they are already almost permanently occupied.
Any increase in use of the premises would add to current traffic problems, put more pressure on limited parking and increase litter in a conservation area.
Protest march over
freight terminal plan
by John Hendon
THE Parkside Action Group ? the group fighting proposals for a major freight terminal on the site of the former Parkside Colliery, at Newton-le-Willows ? is organising a protest march this Saturday (August 18). Aim of the walk is to highlight the scale of Green Belt land under threat from the proposals. Anyone who wants to take part should meet at The Hermit Pub car park in Hermitage Green Lane at 2pm. They are warned that because of the amount of land involved, the walk is likely to take around two hours. Suitable footwear and clothing should be worn. Further information can be obtained from Brendan Page on 01925 295 722 or 07808 934 669. He can also be emailed at [email protected]
