Rescue plan for beauty
spot is making progress
by David Skentelbery
WORK has reached an advanced stage on the “rescue” operation for Ackers Pit at Stockton Heath.
Contractors are redistributing silt from the pit along the banks to create wider more accessible footpaths – and many residents believe they are doing a good job.
Assurances have been given that the site will be open to the public again in October – although it is expected to take a little longer to return it to its original attractive condition.
In fact the pond will be smaller, to provide room for the wider footpaths and other landscaping.
But landscape architect Graeme Atherton believes that with more accessible paths, more natural planting with aquatic plants on the banks, a better flow of water through the lake and improved drainage the site will attract more diversified wildlife than previously.
He said: “Although it looks bad at the moment, it can look very good in the future and the improvements mean it will look good for a number of years.”
Some concerned residents are disappointed the pond will be reduced in size and are worried that raised water levels could cause a risk of flooding to nearby homes.
People are also worried that silt permanently deposited on the banks could be a safety hazard for children and pets.
One resident said: “As water falls onto the silt what can you do to stop the area becoming boggy? Children, adults and animals could get stuck in the mud.”
Mr Atherton has assured residents the site would be safe.
Work was halted on the ?48,000 project in May, after the original contractors ran into problems. Angry residents claimed the site had been turned into an eyesore and safety hazard. But Mr Atherton believes the hold-up has actually enabled those involved to look at the site and decide on the best way forward.
A final phase of the project will include footpaths, landscaping and thinning of the trees to allow more light on the site.
The parish council will seek further funding for the final phase.
DIY roadman gets his
knuckles rapped!
by Lesley Wilkinson
ELECTION hopeful David Mowat has received a rap on the knuckles from council bosses – because he patched up a hole in the road he discovered while out canvassing.
Warrington borough council says he put people “at risk” by his actions.
Head of transport Phil Johnson said: “While we appreciate and share Mr Mowat’s concern for residents, we would discourage any similar ‘DIY’ road maintenance.
“There are strict health and safety rules that must be adhered to when carrying out road maintenance, such as wearing high visibility clothing and erecting warning signs for motorists.
“Mr Mowat put himself and motorists at risk by doing this and we urge residents not to follow his example.”
Mr Mowat, prospective Tory Parliamentary candidate for Warrington South, found the pothole in Wardley Road, Walton while out canvassing.
Residents told him they had been asking the council to repair the road for 12 months but nothing had been done.
So he went off to buy a bag of DIY tarmac, rolled up his sleeves and temporarily filled in the hole himself.
A couple of days later, a council team arrived and completed a permanent job.
Mr Johnson said the council inspected the road in July last year, after a resident had complained.
He said: “Since the ‘pothole’ was only a minor problem that did not present any serious threat to the safety of residents or motorists, there was no need to repair it at the time. We have visited the site again this week and we maintain this view.”
Mr Mowat said he was surprised by the council response.
“The repair took me just 10 minutes to complete and during that time no cars passed so there was no risk to anyone.
“I’m not sure what the council’s policy is on fixing holes but this one was big enough for me to put my foot in – and I’ve got big feet.
“Rather than spending time issuing press releases about health and safety and potholes, the council should focus on helping real people with real problems. That way Warrington would have better services and lower Council Tax.”
Resident Maureen Heaton, who complained about the hole a year ago, said: “I was concerned that someone could be hurt and because lorries driving over the hole were causing a noise nuisance.”
Inquest opens on
murder victim
by court reporter
AN INQUEST has been opened on father-of-three Garry Newlove, 47, who died after being allegedly attacked by a gang of youths he confronted outside his home on August 10.
The hearing at Warrington was adjourned to a date to be arranged after coroner Nicholas Rheinberg had heard evidence of identitication and been told that the cause of death was a massive head trauma.
Four youths, aged 16, 16 and 18 are due to appear before Warrington Crown Court tomorrow (Friday) charged with his murder.
Mr Newlove, a sales manager, lived at Station Road North, Padgate. He was married to Helen and the couple have three daughters.
Woman cheated council
out of more than ?30,000
by court reporter
A WOMAN who obtained more than ?30,000 benefit by deception escaped prison when she appeared at Warrington Magistrates Court.
Carla Warburton, aged 25, was sentenced to a community rehabilitation order for 18 months, a community punishment order of 120 hours and also ordered to repay the money she had obtained.
The court indicated she had been dealt with particularly leniently, in view of the amount involved, because of the ?special circumstances? of the case.
Warburton, of Broadbent Avenue, Latchford, Warrington, pleaded guilty to falsely claiming Income Support, Housing Benefit and Council Tax Benefit totalling ?33,619 between October 2001 and March 2005.
The court was told she claimed she was living alone when her partner had, in fact, moved into her home.
After the hearing, Adrian Webster, the council’s Benefits Manager, said: “Deliberately withholding information that affects your claim is stealing. That’s why we are targeting benefit thieves.
“Benefit thieves must realise that they cannot abuse the benefit system and steal from the rest of society. They are not just defrauding the Government, but their own tax paying neighbours and communities in Warrington.”
Police still probing
man’s death
by staff reporter
A POST mortem examination on a 40-year-old man found dead at a house in Orford, Warrington has proved inconclusive.
Police are still investigating the death and are awaiting the result of further tests.
The man has not been officially identified but he has been named locally as Stephen Carr. It is understood he was found hanging in the garden of the house in Toll Bar Road early on Tuesday morning.
A police spokesman said detectives were still trying to establish if there were any suspicious circumstances.
Alliance appoints
new research chief
by business staff
CHESHIRE and Warrington Economic Alliance (CWEA) has appointed a new Strategy and Intelligence manager to strengthen its research function.
Dr John Risk (pictured) has joined CWEA to work alongside David Horstead, director of Strategy and Intelligence.
The role involves the collection, interpretation and mapping of key econometric data, monitoring the sub-region’s economic performance and forecasting Cheshire and Warrington’s needs and opportunities.
Martin Lee, chief executive at CWEA, said: “Our understanding of the Cheshire and Warrington economy is crucial when preparing our Strategy and Action Plan. More and more we need to look ahead so that we don’t just react to changes in the economic environment but we anticipate them. We need to have plans in place to mitigate any threats and take advantage of future opportunities. We are delighted that John has joined CWEA to take up this v
ital role.”
Dr Risk said: ?The Cheshire and Warrington economy has developed a strength of its own. I look forward to helping CWEA and all partners in the sub-region achieve further economic success.”
Having worked previously in Cheshire and Warrington, John has an excellent knowledge of the area from his eight years at Cheshire County Council, where he played an integral part in setting up the Cheshire Economic Information Partnership, and three years at Warrington Borough Council where he set up a new policy research unit to support the chief executive.
Householder loses
extension appeal
by John Hendon
A HOUSEHOLDER has lost his appeal against the refusal of planning consent to extend his home in Castle Green, Westbrook, Warrington.
The scheme – which involved building a new garage and converted the existing garage into living accommodation was thrown out by the borough council and now a Government-appointed inspector has rejected the appeal.
The inspector decided the scale and proportion of the proposed new building would be disproportionate to the existing house and would cause harm to the character of the house and the street scene. A proposed driveway in front of the new garage would be too short for a vehicle to park without overhanging the footpath.
Highway safety would be affected – particularly for pedestrians.
Briers to host
fan’s forum
by staff reporter
WARRINGTON Wolves? skipper Lee Briers is hosting a fan?s forum at Burtonwood Community Centre, Chapel Lane, Burtonwood on Tuesday, September 4, as part of his testimonial season.
Members of the panel will be Wolves? hooker Jon Clarke, St Helens and Great Britain forward Paul Sculthorpe and referee Steve Ganson.
Tickets at ?6 each and include a hot pot supper.
The evening should be of particular interest as it comes only three days before Wolves? visit to Knowsley Road, St Helens on Friday September 7.
