Masked gang grab cash
in raid on superstore
by David Skentelbery
A GANG of masked men got away with cash and gift vouchers after breaking into the Marks and Spencer superstore at Warrington.
The six-strong gang fled, however, when they were interrupted by night staff at the store.
Now police are appealing for help from members who may have seen the gang either before or after the raid at the store on the Gemini Retail Park.
The gang is believed to have approached the store from the Burtonwood Service Area on the M62, It was about 11.30pm on Friday (August 17), when the gang forced their way into the store.
They were all masked and wearing dark clothing and sleeveless fluorescent jackets.
Numerous tills were smashed open and cash and gift vouchers was stolen.
Night staff became aware of what was happening and intervened ? and the gang fled through a fire door.
Anyone who saw anything suspicious near the store, or near the motorway service area, is asked to contact DC Emily Cole at Warrington Police on 0845 458 0000. Alternatively they can call the confidential Crimestoppers number 0800 555 111.
Horsing around for charity
by Lesley Wilkinson
A GROUP of riders from stables in Walton, near Warrington, have raised more than ?600 for a charity that helps disabled children.
The 10 riders, dressed as characters from The Wizard of Oz, set off from the stables in Hough Lane. The group also included a horse drawn cart.
As they rode, through Hatton, Appleton and Walton, they collected money from walkers, motorists and from pubs.
Money raised will go to the Caudwell Children, based in Stoke on Trent, which helps support disabled children.
Natalie Heaton, who is a graphic designer with the charity, lives in Appleton and has a horse at the stables.
“It was a great success despite the rain and having a flat tyre on the horse drawn cart,” she said.
Inspector rejects
Green Belt house
by John Hendon
A GOVERNMENT planning inspector has thrown out an appeal against Warrington Borough Council’s decision to refuse permission for a two-storey house at Laburnum Cottage, in Back Lane, Cuerdley.
He ruled that the development would be inappropriate in the Green Belt and would result in a loss of openness. The house would be intrusive in the landscape.
The appellants had suffered a number of criminal incidents and suggested the proposed dwelling would improve their security. But the inspector said this did not amount to a very special circumstance justifying approval contrary to green belt policy.
Domination of the Fiddlers Ferry Power Station of this part of the green belt was no reason to grant planning permission for further development.
There was also clearly an oversupply of housing land in Warrington and even one more dwelling would worsen the situation.
A borough council spokesman said the decision followed an established approach to new development in the green belt and to housing development in the context of current restraint policies.
“Incompatible” wall
sparks planning row
by David Skentelbery
PLANNING bosses at Warrington are to study a partly-built brick wall after complaints that it is out-of-character with sandstone walls in the area.
The wall – constructed in reclaimed Cheshire brick – has been been built on top of a existing standstone wall at The White House, off Hobb Lane, Walton.
Planning officers say the wall needs planning consent so the occupiers have submitted a retrospective planning application.
But Walton Parish Council has objected on the grounds the new wall is incompatible with existing standstone walls at other properties in the area.
Three neighbours also objected on the grounds the wall was “too high and an eyesore”, was not in keeping with the area and had resulted in several trees being removed.
The borough council’s development control committee has decided to go and visit the site before deciding if the new wall can stay in place.
Members were told the site lies in the Green Belt, with open agricultural land to the north and existing dwellings located to the north west and south east.
Church improvement
is well under way
by Lesley Wilkinson
IMPROVEMENT work at Culcheth Methodist Church, which is used by about 1,000 people each week, is well underway.
Work started in the summer on the re-wiring, funded by a variety of grants, and the contractors have done a “superb job,” according to project manager Daphne Eastburn.
The church also received a grant to provide a new sink for community use, which was installed by Tapefox of Culcheth.
Work has been boosted by a Biffaward of ?2,448 which has helped with improvements and to buy new tables, chairs and stage blocks.
Warrington Charities Trust has also given ?580 towards chairs.
Daphne said: “Chairs were given by Daten Sports and Social Club, and we have had them re-upholstered therefore recyling, re-using and reducing waste.
“This is saving our environment and making a quality facility for our community users.”
She said the property committee have been busy painting the kitchen, tiling, finishing off woodwork, gardening and “a large amount” of furniture removing ready for Sunday services.
She said the group is now looking for further funding for the second stage of the electronics work.
New national account
manager appointed
by John Hendon
WARRINGTON-based Premium Appliance Brands (PAB) has appointed Mark Tozer its new national account manager.
His new role will see him working on developing PAB’s branded product ranges, which include the top-end White-Westinghouse brand, Lofra range cookers and the newly launched Homark product range.
Mr Tozer has more than 22 years of industry experience with some of the largest names in the business including Lofra (UK), Whirlpool, Electrolux Group, Hoover and Currys.
For the last eight years he has managed national accounts and in his new position he will work across some of the biggest retailers and distributors in the country including B&Q, Currys, Combined Independents Holdings Ltd (CIH), Waterline and PJH.
PAB chief executive Guy Weaver said: “I am delighted to welcome Mark to the PAB team and am confident that his immense experience within the industry will help the company to continue to grow and develop.”
Man found dead
POLICE are investigating after a man aged 40 was found dead at a house in Toll Bar Road, Orford, Warrington.
A post mortem operation is being carried out to try and establish the cause of death.
?Once we have the result, we will be in a position to decide if there are any suspicious circumstances,? a spokesman said.
