Police want extra ?3
on the council tax
by James Parr
RESIDENTS of Warrington are being asked whether they would be willing to see an increase of ?3 on their council tax ? just to fund investment in the police service.
People will get the chance to air their views to the world in a live question and answer session to be shown on broadcasting web site YouTube.
Chief Constable of Cheshire Peter Fahy and chairman of the Police Authority Peter Nurse, will be fielding the questions and outlining exactly why the increase has been recommended.
Dozens of questions have already been sent in following distribution of a form delivered to homes across Cheshire during September.
Mr Fahy said: “The people asking the questions have the opportunity to see them being answered, and by using YouTube we guarantee that the footage reaches the widest possible audience.”
Crime in the Cheshire area has been falling and currently, residents of the average Band D houses pay an average of ?42 less a year than Shropshire residents and ?45 less than Staffordshire residents.
Warrington residents can leave their questions and views on the subject on a special Cheshire Police line 0845 358 0555 or e-mail them to [email protected]
Hunt goes on
for park attacker
by David Skentelbery
POLICE have renewed an appeal for witnesses of a savage attack on a 39-year-old man at Warrington late on the evening of October 29.
They have issued an efit picture of the alleged attacker in a hope that someone may recognise him.
The victim was taken to hospital with serious head and face injuries after being punched to the ground and kicked in Orford Park.
It was only when a passerby came to his aid that the attacker ran off.
The attacker was about 6ft 2 inches tall, aged 30-35 and of athletic build. He had short brown hair and stubble on his face and chin. He spoke with a Liverpool accent.
He was wearing a distinctive lemon colour, long-sleeved sweater, with lemon and grey stripes. He also wore light blue jeans and white trainers.
A police spokeswoman said: “It is likely, due to the ferocity of the attack, that the offender would have had blood stains on his clothing and shoes.
“During the attack he repeatedly said he was going to kill his victim. But he could have grazes to his face as his victim attempted to fend him off.”
Anyone who recognised the offender, or witnessed the incident, is asked to contact DS Steve Lodge on 0845 458 0000 or call the confidential Crimestoppers line on 0800 555 111.
100 years of selling fish!
FIVE generations of a family which has been supplying Warrington people with fish for more than 100 years will be on show in the town centre tomorrow (Thursday).
Fishmongers Reardon and Sons have been in business on Warrington Market since the late 1800s ? and the current crop of Peter, Mike and Richard will be accompanied by life-size cut outs of previous generations.
They will be appearing as part of an authentic Victorian market in Golden Square.
About 20 of today’s market traders will take part in the event, which will embrace times gone by and feature a Victorian chimney sweep, traditional fair ground rides and a carousel.
Marketing manager for Golden Square Ian Cox said: “We’re pleased to welcome Warrington Market into Golden Square for this special event that will bring together Warrington’s oldest form of trading with some of the town’s newest retailers in the recently revamped shopping centre.”
The Warrington Market ?grand Christmas showcase? will until Saturday, November 17.
Female friendly gym
celebrates two years
by Lesley Wilkinson
A FEMALE friendly gym aimed at those who find traditional ones “intimidating” has achieved amazing results in its first two years in Warrington.
Gymophobics offers a beautifully relaxing environment, full of pastel shades, potted plants and sleek leather furniture.
Since starting in Lichfield, Gymophobics has extended its coverage to over 40 towns – including the plush facility in Crown Street, Warrington, next to Central Station.
The Warrington gym has helped more than 2,000 women of all ages to improve their fitness. Staff treat everyone as VIPs and say is doesn’t matter whether clients are unfit or overweight.
Most lose a full dress size in a few weeks and go on to achieve a firm, toned body – something they could never do by just dieting.
Exercise at the gym is easy and fun. Equipment is specially designed for women and there is a relaxing area for coffee afterwards.
Visits are by appointment and a unique “traffic lights” system ensures no-one need wait on the circuit – ideal for busy women.
Is this the end of
boring school meals?
by James Parr
BORING school meals are set to be banished from the menu as young gourmets from all over Warrington showcase their favourite food at the Halliwell Jones Stadium today.
The event marks the launching of a new menu in schools across the borough based on pupil’s favourite winter warmers.
During the summer, a survey of all primary schools in the town was completed by about 2,500 children.
They listed their school meal likes and dislikes and all who took part entered a prize draw. The Mayor, Coun Celia Jordan and Wolves mascot Wolfie is presenting awards to the winners today at the healthy eating event.
The survey showed children would like to be eating more jacket potatoes, fresh fruit and fruit drinks.
Coun Shelia Woodyatt, the borough council?s executive member for Children?s Services, said: “It’s important the children have a role to play in deciding on the school menu as it gives them a sense of ownership and gets them thinking about what foods are good for them.
?The new winter menus are a good balance between what the children prefer, and healthy and nutritious foods. All of this work supports a recent Ofsted report into school meals, which recommends that pupils should be involved in the compilation and development of the school meals menu and satisfies current school meal legislation”
New community
play area unveiled
by James Parr
PLAY time just got even better for children who attend Warrington?s Longshaw Street Community Centre as a brand new play area was unveiled.
Families and children itching to have a go on the new equipment attended the official opening and party.
Waste Recycling Environmental Limited, footed the bill for the new ?34,000 play area, with representative from the company Richard Smith, unveiling the equipment at the official opening.
It is now hoped that mums and tots, as well as older children and youth groups will be able to take advantage of the new facilities.
