Multi million ? centre for
disabled gets green light
by David Skentelbery
TOWN Hall chiefs at Warrington have decided to press ahead with the development of a business case for a new multi million ? residential centre for the disabled.
The site of the former Oliver Plunkett School, at Birchwood, has been earmarked for the project which will provide short-break care for disabled children and adults.
An existing centre for children at Ross Close which is considered inadequate will be sold off to raise an expected ?200,000 towards the cost of the project.
Talks have been going on for some time between the borough council and the Griffiths Court Foundation, which aims to build a major centre for disabled adults in memory of former Warrington headteacher Marjorie Griffiths.
The current Ross Close centre, established in 1992, is a four bedroom unit in adapted adjoining bungalows.
In recent years, it has proved inadequate and too small despite various adaptations and improvements.
Inspections over the last two years have praised the standard of care but expressed concern about the building Main concerns are insufficient bathroom and toilet provision, an absence of adequate sleep-in and office space, narrow and winding corridors, poor and cramped play areas and inadequate parking facilities.
In addition, there is an increased demand because of a rise in the number of cases of autism and improved survival rates among youngsters with the most profound disabilities.
A study of needs suggests the number of bed spaces should be doubled and there also needs to be provision for staff, meeting rooms, specialist equipment and play and leisure.
The Griffiths Court Foundation is planning a multi-million ? project and there would be considerable cost advantage in sharing the site and having joint use of facilities such as a swimming pool, offices, meeting rooms, laundry, staffing and management costs. Cost of the children?s facility alone is put at about ?700,000.
Coun Sheila Woodyatt, the council?s executive member for Children?s Services, said: ?I know the Ross Close centre very well. They do a marvellous job there.
?But the building is very much in need of an upgrade.
?This project will be the first new-build centre for children?s respite care since 1990. But it has been very difficult to find a site.?
Best kept garden was
“blooming marvelous”
by staff reporter
WINNER of the annual “Best kept front garden” competition organised by Stockton Heath Parish Council was Mrs Helen Dutton, of Stanley Avenue, Stockton Heath, Warrington.
She was presented with her prize – a cheque for ?50 – by parish council chairman Graham Roughsedge in her garden.
Gardens were nominated by members of the parish council who walked around the village on the look-out for gardens with that “special” look.
Then they were judged by Audrey Unsworth, chairman of Stockton Heath Flower Club, and Sheila Dean, chairman of the council’s Village Committee.
Coun Roughsedge said: “I know the judges had a difficult job because of the high standard of all the entries.”
Motorist attacked
and robbed
by David Skentelbery
POLICE at Warrington are appealing for witnesses after a man was attacked and robbed of his car and his laptop computer.
The man was sitting in his parked car in Evelyn Street late at night, working on his laptop when the windscreen was suddenly shattered and he was confronted by two men who demanded both the computer and the car.
They grabbed him and tried to drag him from the car. There was a struggle and the man managed to break away and call for help.
The two men drove off in the car in the direction of Samuel Street.
Both attackers were aged about 18-21 and about 5ft 10 inches tall. One was wearing a dark hooded top and the other a grey hooded top.
The car, a dark blue Volkswagen Golf with foreign number plates was later recovered a short distance away.
Anyone who witnessed the attack at about 11.50pm on Friday (August 17) or who has any information about it is asked to call DC Steve Hopkins on 0845 458 0000.
Licence applications
can now be made online
by staff reporter
LICENCES can now be obtained using Warrington Borough Council?s new, revamped website.
A new online processing system has been launched, meaning premises, personal and Gambling Act licenses are all now a click away.
The system replaces the old paper system and will allow the public to track the progress of an application, as well as providing general information.
Once an application is added to the system, information on the premises, hours of opening, the management of the premises and the conditions of a particular license will be available.
The traditional process was often complicated and subject to delays, but by implementing a new online system, these will mostly be avoided. This will also be a useful tool for both the council and the police, when carrying out visits to premises and for any general public enquiries.
Coun Peter Walker, the council?s executive member for Corporate Services, said: “This is another example of how the council?s new web site can be used to provide speedy services to our residents. The licensing process can often be long and drawn out, but with the introduction of the online system, it will become quicker and easier to apply.”
For more information please call 01925 442119/2072.
Planning chiefs to
go down to the pub
by John Hendon
PLANNING chiefs at Warrington are to visit a pub ? before deciding whether it can erect an awning to provide shelter for smokers.
The problem is the proposed shelter at Sadler?s Bar, in Bridgewater Street, Lymm, would be on a public footpath.
Members of the borough?s development control committee fear smokers gathering under the shelter could block the footpath.
It provides access to a car park and also to Lymm Royal British Legion Club which has some members with mobility problems.
Lymm Parish Council and local councillor Sheila Woodyatt have objected to the proposal.
Planning officers say the awning would not detract from the appearance of the building. There are many others in Lymm village and they do not damage the character of the village centre.
They do not believe the awning would have any implications for pedestrians using the footpath.
But the parish council say the path has been a public right of way for many years. They are concerned about the free passage of pedestrians ? particularly as some patrons of the British Legion club have mobility problems.
Coun Woodyatt says the awning, and people congregating under it, would hinder access to the club and the car park.
Four teenagers
on murder charge
by court reporter
THE four teenagers charged with the murder of 47-year-old Padgate man Garry Newlove are to appear before Warrington Crown Court on Friday.
Three appeared before the town?s magistrates yesterday (Monday) and were remanded in custody to appear before the Crown Court.
They were two 15-year-old brothers from Wigan and a 16-year-old boy from Orford.
The fourth, 18-year-old Adam Swellings, from Crewe, was remanded to the same court when he appeared before magistrates at Runcorn last week.
Charity nets ?2,000
from football club
by staff reporter
WARRINGTON-based children’s charity the Moore Foundation have received a ?2,000 cash boost from Manchester City Football Club and The Premier League’s Creating Chances initiative. Patron Dominic Walker said “There are a lot of happy faces today at the Foundation. ?This money will help us fund so many projects over the coming months. Additionaly to have the Premier League and Manchester City recognising our efforts is also a big boost.” During the year the Foundation do lots of fundraising which includes go
lf days and their Miles Moore Smiles walk which will take place early next year. The Moore Foundation ethos is to put smiles on the faces of young people and they do this by donating to individuals and donating to smaller charities too. Anyone wishing to bid for a slice of the money should email [email protected]
