Storm breaks over
gipsy camp site
by David Skentelbery
A STORM has broken over proposals to make a controversial gipsy camp site at Higher Walton, near Warrington, a permanent development.
The gipsies, who have lived on the site – illegally and legally – for about eight years, are seeking a permanent planning approval for their caravans, toilet block, access road, etc.
Walton Parish Council and a number of villagers have lodged objections.
Gipsy families bought the land from the former Greenalls leisure group at an auction around 1996 and subsequently moved about 15 caravans onto the land.
The borough council subsequently refused a retrospective planning application and commenced enforcement proceedings with a view to having the gipsies evicted from their own land! But they appealed and a planning inspector ruled that they could stay on the land for four years.
Later this consent was renewed for another four years – of which about two still remain.
Now the gipsies have applied to have their planning consent made permanent.
A Higher Walton resident – who asked not to be named – said: “There is some sympathy for the gipsies who have not really caused any problems since they have been on the site. Some of their children attend local schools and this is obviously right.
“But this site is in the Green Belt and next to the Higher Walton Conservation Area. It is not a suitable site for a permanent caravan site.
“We appreciate that the gipsies must have somewhere to live and that there is no official camp site for them in the borough. But a worse place could not have been found. We have to lodge a strong objection to try and protect the environment.”
The inspector who originally granted planning consent acknowledged that the camp harmed the openness and rural character of the area. But he said the gipsies were not causing any nuisance to villagers and their children would benefit from a settled address.
Students celebrate best
ever results – again!
by John Hendon
STUDENTS in Warrington are celebrating better than ever A Level results.
Early returns suggested results were the best ever achieved in the town – and come on top of last year’s return, which was also the best ever.
Information sent in by the schools indicate that around 95 per cent of A Level papers achieved pass grades A-E and around 63 per cent achieved higher grades of A-C.
It would also appear that an increasing proportion of pupils are achieving straight A grades in all subjects.
Around 2,000 students, aged 16-19 took A Levels this year at pst-16 centres in seven high schools, plus Priestley College and Warrington Collegiate. This is more than ever before.
Increasing numbers of pupils are choosing to study the new Vocational A Levels, which offer a wider choice of subjects to pupils. Around 20 per cent of papers taken this year were the new vocational subjects. Both the traditional academic and the new vocational A Level courses are now broken down into modules to encourage an academic and vocational mix.
Coun Maureen Banner, the borough council’s executive member for education said: “The information we are receiving from our schools suggests A Level results in Warrington this year are better than ever. The greater range of subjects available at A Level does seem to be encouraging more pupils to stay in full time education after the age of 16. I would like to congratulate all students and staff for their hard work in achieving such good results.”
Celebrations at
the Collegiate
AMONG A Level and VCE students celebrating at Warrington Collegiate was Alex Dunn, from Padgate.
It was his 18th birthday and his results were the best present he could wish for – A grades in Art and English Literature and a grade B in English Language.
Alex is returning to the Collegiate in September to begin the Art Foundation course and hopes to go on to study a degree in Fine Art next year.
He said: “I’ve done better than I thought, so I’m obviously really pleased with my results. I can now get on with celebrating my 18th properly!”
Jacqueline Adams, 26, was also elated when she received B grades in Sociology and English Literature and a grade C in English Language.
She has severe dyslexia and felt she did not receive the correct learning support while still at school and did not achieve her best.
Jacqueline said: “It’s 10 years ago since I left school and for the first time ever I feel I’ve received the best support and guidance during my studies. I’m ecstatic that I’ve finally got my A Levels!”
She is now looking forward to September when she begins studying for a degree in Theology at the University of Manchester.
In addition to the many individual successes this year, the Collegiate had 100 per cent pass rates in A Level Chemistry, A Level French and A Level Film Studies, where all students received A to C grades.
The Collegiate also had 100 per centpass rates in VCE Travel and Tourism and VCE Business Studies.
Rachel Hadland, 18, studied VCE Business and Economics A Level was equally pleased with her results. She said: “I’ve received the grades I need to study the HND Business Studies course at Warrington Collegiate, which shows you don’t necessarily need to study just A Levels to go onto a higher level course.”
Praise for caring staff at
threatened custody unit
by David Skentelbery
STAFF at Thorn Cross Young Offenders’ Institution, Appleton Thorn, have won praise in the annual report of the centre’s Independent Monitoring Board.
In particular, the “committed and caring” staff in the apparently doomed juvenile unit, which caters up to 60 inmates aged 15-17, are praised for their excellent relationships with inmates which help maintain order within the unit.
The board – a watchdog group which monitors all aspects of Thorn Cross’s operations – says the juvenile unit is unique of its kind and has a “lively atmosphere.”
It has received many visits from VIPs, professionals and others who have all been impressed by its effectiveness.
The closure announcement has come as a shock and surprise and would appear to be detrimental to the treatment and rehabilitation of offenders.
“The board has recorded its dismay at this decision in writing to the Secretary of State,” the report adds.
“We consider the closure to be a most retrograde step.”
Thorn Cross has up to 316 inmates, 180 of who are convicted offenders aged 18-21 who are housed in individual cells in three units.
There is also a High Intensity Training unit housing up to 60 inmates – the so-called “boot camp” introduced some eight years ago. The board sees this as a successful development in the treatment and rehabilitation of young offenders. Its only concern is the low level of recruitment for this unit.
Vandals set fire
to garden shed
by staff reporter
VANDALS set fire to a garden shed at Warrington during the night – and nearly caused a serious house fire.
The blaze was at a house in Secker Avenue, Latchford and completely destroyed the shed, situated close to the adjoining house.
Minor damage was caused to the exterior of the house before fire crews could reach the scene and extinguish the blaze.
A spokesman said: “We are putting this down as an act of arson. Fortunately little damage was caused to the house, but it could have been a lot more serious. The shed itself was completely destroyed, along with the contents.”
Police are investigating.
MP visits award-winning
chemical factory
by staff reporter
WARRINGTON South MP Helen Southworth was today visiting INEOS Silicas – formerly Crosfield’s – at the invitation of site manager Dr John Bush to tour the facility and congratulate them on their Crystal Faraday Award for green product design.
Moisture damage is a widespread and costly problem in many industr
ies. Production and storage of pharmaceutical, electronic goods and delicate engineering items rely on a low atmospheric humidity to function properly.
Silica gel has long been established as the most efficient and reliable agent for controlling atmospheric moisture in critical environments. The system used a cobalt dichloride-indicating system – but in 1998 the European Commission recognised that cobalt dichloride was a potential carcinogen effecting the respiratory tract, thyroid, lungs, heart and kidneys.
INEOS Silicas recognised the importance of identifying a safe alternative indicating system – and work in their research and development department resulted in Chameleon, an innocuous substitute suitable for use in food and pharmaceutical applications.
Mrs Southworth said: “I am delighted to take this opportunity INEOS Silicas.
“British Industry’s contribution to a safer environment is quite often overlooked. The development of Chameleon has replaced a carcinogen with a safer and greener alternative.
“INEOS Silicas are at the cutting edge of a very competitive industry and their product development is vital to their future success. I congratulate them on their award and hope for their continued success in contributing to a safer environment.”
Fire station
open day
by staff reporter
AN open day is to be held at Warrington Fire Station on Saturday, August 28.
The Mayor, Coun Ted Lafferty, will open the event which will be attended by a number of Warrington Wolves stars.
There will be a tombola and other stalls, food and drink and tours of the fire station and a chance to see some of the latest fire fighting equipment.
Any money raised on the day will go to charity.
