Council chiefs reject
re-think on schools
by David Skentelbery
COUNCIL chiefs have rejected claims that the consultation process into the future of second education in Warrington should be started again.
But they stressed that no decision has yet been made on the future of two high schools ? Woolston and Padgate ? which face the threat of closure.
The borough council?s executive board consider a recommendation from the Children?s Services Overview and Scrutiny Committee that they look again a partnering arrangements between primary and high schools as part of their review of secondary education East and Central Warrington.
Members of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee had referred the matter back to the executive following a letter from Poulton-with-Fearnhead Parish Council and comments from former Labour education chief Coun Colin Froggatt over partnering arrangements.
Critics of the review process suggested that if pupils from Oakwood and St Elphin?s primary schools went sent to either Padgate or Woolston high schools, there would be no need to consider closing one of them.
But executive member for Children?s Services Coun Sheila Woodyatt (pictured)said partnering arrangements had been considered on a borough wide basis before the secondary education review started and it was not considered necessary to consider them again.
She said: ?What people need to realise is that if parents of children at Oakwood or St Elphin?s primary schools wanted their children to go to either Padgate or Woolston, they could have done so. We would have been able to accommodate them.
?We do not have catchment areas for high schools ? parents have a choice.?
Coun Woodyatt said she did not consider if necessary to reconsider the issue.
?In my view we have done more than enough,? she added.
Education chiefs are considering three options to cater for dwindling numbers of pupils in the Padgate and Woolston areas ? closing Woolston High, closing Padgate High or close one of their sixth forms.
Four teenagers now
charged with murder
by staff reporter
A TOTAL of four teenagers have now been charged with the murder of 47-year-old father of three Garry Newlove, of Station Road North, Padgate, Warrington.
The fourth was 18-year-old Adam Swellings, of Crewe, who appeared before Runcorn Magistrates yesterday (Wednesday) when he was remanded in custody to appear before Warrington Crown Court on Friday, August 24.
Three others, two aged 15 from Wigan and one aged 16 from Orford, Warrington, appeared before Runcorn Youth Court and are due to appear before magistrates at Warrington on Monday (August 20).
Two other youths, aged 16 and 18, both from Warrington, who were arrested on Monday were released without charge yesterday.
Police say they are not holding any others in custody who have yet to be charged.
Nick to take the
plunge for charity
by Gary Skentelbery
JEWELLERY shop manager Nick Boulton is taking the plunge for charity to mark his 40th year milestone.
Despite being terrified of heights Nick, manager of A Baker and Sons in Walton Road, Stockton Heath, has decided to do a tandem sky dive for charity, jumping from 10,000 ft!
He hopes to raise ?1,000 for St Rocco’s Hospice in Warrington and conquer his fear of heights!
Nick will be taking the plunge on Sunday September 2nd from an airfield in Lancaster – after being told he was half a stone too heavy to make the jump from a light aircraft in Whitchurch!
Explaining his decision to make the jump Nick said: “I just woke up one morning, realised I was now 40 and decided it was time to jump from a plane.”
To help raise funds Nick is selling raffling tickets to customers for ?1 giving them a chance to go into a draw to win a ?250 voucher to spend at A Baker & Sons premises in Walton Road.
To make a donation online visit www.justgiving.com/NJLB
Housing association to take
over sheltered homes unit
by David Skentelbery
WARRINGTON Housing Association will take over a borough council-owned sheltered housing unit which fails to meet “decent homes” standards – if the Government approves the nil-value transfer.
Raven Court, in Pepper Street, Lymm dates from 1974 and Town Hall chiefs say it would cost almost ?1 million to bring it up to present day standards – money the authority does not have.
There are 19 bedsits in the unit, although only seven are currently occupied. Residents have been consulted and are in favour of the change of ownership.
Improvements planned by Warrington Housing Association include re-designing the bedsits to create larger apartments with a separate bedroom and living room and, in some cases, two bedrooms.
There will also be a new lift, kitchen, bathroom, low access showers, level access entrance, improved communal areas, new laundry, central heating, digital TV system, smoke detectors, rewiring of the building and charging points for motorised scooters.
Officers believe the transfer will provide a modern facility which will contribute to the needs of an ageing population in Warrington.
Lymm councillor Sheila Woodyatt said: “This is an excellent scheme. The folk who live there think it is marvellous. They were worried the place might have to close.
“It is within walking distance of the village and opposite a school with which they have a wonderful relationship. The pupils visit the old people regularly – and the old people visit the school.”
Getting to grips
with bridge
by Lesley Wilkinson
ANYONE who would like to get to grips with the complexities of bridge will be interested in a new course starting in Culcheth.
Daten Bridge Club is starting a Bridge for Beginners course at Culcheth Sports and Social Club in Charnock Road.
Classes start at 2pm on October 3. Lessons cost ?1 for each two-hour session.
Club secretary Joe Ridyard said: “People can learn to play a game which is fun, stimulation for their brain and an excellent activity for meeting new friends.”
People interested in enrolling should contact Doris Friar on 01925 763719.
Fair Trade market stall
celebrates a birthday
by Lesley Wilkinson
THE Fair Trade shop in Warrington Market celebrates its fifth anniversary with a host of special events.
And the shop, Fair 4 All, will also be holding a stall at Warrington Parr Hall in October when top Indie band Starsailor play a gig. Small tuck shop items, gifts and funky Fair Trade hats will be featured.
Special events to mark the anniversary will be held at the stall in the market.
On Tuesday September 11, Warrington Wolves stars will be at the stall from 4pm to 5pm. They will sign Fair Trade rugby balls especially available for purchase as part of the celebrations. Fair Trade footballs will also be available.
On Thursday September 13, there will be birthday cake and a free lucky dip for every customer.
A drumming event will be held in the Maze area of the market on Saturday September 15. There will be a short demonstrations and a chance to join in the fun. Expert drummer Vinny will lead three sessions between 11 am and 12.30pm.
