Major homes scheme
for factory site
by David Skentelbery
A MAJOR housing development is proposed for one of Warrington’s landmark industrial sites – the New World gas cooker plant in Thelwall Lane, Latchford.
The scheme involves about 450 dwellings, including six-story apartments overlooking the Manchester Ship Canal.
A small shopping centre would be provided along with accommodation suitable for surgeries for doctors or dentists.
Some light industrial premises would be built to provide local employment and there would be public open space in the form of an ecology park and children’s play area.
Richmond Recreation Club, which occupies part of the site, would be retained, along with one of its two bowling greens.
The outline scheme has been drawn up by Glen Dimplex Cooking Ltd.
No objections have been received from nearby residents. But councillors Hans Mundry and Mike Maher have expressed concerns about parking provision and design and landscaping.
Their greatest concern is over access from Thelwall Lane, taking into account the traffic using the road.
Officers are recommending the scheme be approved and have warned that if it was refused the site could revert to industrial use with a consequent big increase in traffic using local roads.
The applicants have agreed to contribute ?53,000 towards the cost of highway improvements in the area and to subsidise an additional bus service to the site for five years.
Band needs more brass
LYMM Concert Band is on the look-out for new musicians – particularly brass players.
The band has had a good summer season, playing in three new venues, Arley Hall at their Garden Festival, the Daneside Theatre in Congleton and Llandudno Promenade They played a variety of music, including selections from popular shows, light classics, marches, waltzes and traditional tunes.
The band is made up of about 30 woodwind and brass players of all ages, who meet on Thursday nights at the United Reform Church Hall in Brookfield Road, Lymm.
Conductor Neil Fraser-Standeven, is always pleased to talk to anyone interested in joining the band on 01745 851737.
After a short autumn break the band will be looking forward to their next performance on Saturday,December 11, the Lymm Dickensian Day, when they play in the United Reform Church at 2.30pm
Peace campaigner Parry
to speak at city luncheon
by Lesley Wilkinson
PEACE campaigner Colin Parry – whose son Tim was killed in the IRA bombing of Warrington – will be guest speaker at a special lunch in Manchester.
Colin will speak on “Good from Evil” at Manchester Luncheon Club’s meeting on Friday October 22 at the Freemason’s Hall in Bridge Street, Manchester.
In 1993 Colin and his family suffered the tragic loss of their 12-year-old son when a bomb was detonated without warning in the middle of busy Bridge Street in the town centre. His second child Tim and another local boy, Jonathan Ball were both killed in the tragedy.
Colin, who had a successful career in personnel management, decided to dedicate his life to the promotion of peace and reconciliation and with his wife Wendy set up the Tim Parry Jonathan Ball Trust.
Since then he has appeared regularly on television, radio and in the press. In 1994 he wrote an autobiographical book, “Tim: an Ordinary Boy”, which received critical acclaim.
He was awarded the OBE for his work this year.
At the luncheon Colin will talk about how his son’s death led to a transformation of his and his family’s lives, and of his work since.
Choir sends help…
to Russia with love
by Lesley Wilkinson
A CALL for help from the depths of Russia has spurred a Warrington choir to try to help preserve that country’s musical heritage.
Warrington Male Voice Choir (WMVC), internationally known for its competition and charity works, received a surprise e-mail from Nikolay Carmanov, director of Moscow’s Musical College.
Steve Grant, of WMVC, said: “Nikolay explained that because of the ongoing financial difficulties in Russia, they have received no support from the federal budget for many years, and that help from the Moscow government has been minimal.” Most parents are financially unable to contribute to their children’s education. Steve added: “In a country famous for providing many of history’s most notable composers, Russian children are being deprived of a musical education, and he has approached us to see if we can provide teaching items, particularly sound materials to help in his quest.” The choir will be sending a box to Russia containing its recent album “By Request” (which features the Russian standard Kalinka). It also includes standards such as “My Way” and Warrington’s own work “River of Life” by local composer Goff Richards. Anyone who wants to support the project can send recorded or sheet music to Nikolay at Moscow Musical College, 39-5-25, 3-Barkovaya Street, 105037, Moscow, Russian Federation.
Utilities boss
is new chairman
by staff reporter
SCHOOLS taking part in Young Enterprise schemes across the North West are being supported by one of the region’s biggest businesses, Warrington-based United Utilities.
Charlie Cornish, managing director of the water and electricity giant’s Service Delivery business, has been appointed chairman of Young Enterprise North West and the organisations have formed a community partnership until 2006.
Around 60 United Utilities employees are helping pupils, maintaining a tradition of support that goes back over a decade.
Some act as advisors and mentors to older students who set up Young Enterprise business ventures, manufacturing and marketing their own products in a regional and national schools contest.
The programme also enables employees to help younger pupils learn about the world of work and how business creates employment and prosperity.
“United Utilities has provided long term support and I’m honoured to be chairman,” said Charlie, who will hold the post for three years.
“I’m delighted that so many of our people are keen to be involved and hope more will volunteer during the course of the partnership.”
Chris Curry, chief executive of Young Enterprise North West, welcomed Charlie after he took over the chair from Alan Moody, of Liverpool University.
He said: “This is great news and further cements the strong partnerships between United Utilities and Young Enterprise. Charlie will be a real asset to the Board.”
Managers win
safari prize
by staff reporter
TWO managers at Warrington Chrysler and Jeep dealership MTB will go on a safari through the wilds of Africa after smashing sales targets.
Kevin Vince, aftersales manager and Joseph Campbell, business manager, will join 28 others from dealers across the country for the Jeep safari after exceeding targets set by the manufacturer.
Kevin and his team beat accessories targets by 163 per cent and parts targets by 101 per cent while Joseph was one of only five business managers to outperform all his goals.
The five-day safari has been awarded by the Chrysler and Jeep Academy, which monitors dealer performance.
It is an all-expenses-paid, purpose designed trip which includes accommodation in luxury hotels, a tour around Victoria Falls, an off-road expedition around some of Africa’s most scenic routes taking four different countries and some serious off-road driving.
MP’s school visit
WARRINGTON North MP Helen Jones is visiting Locking Stumps Primary School today when the schools is presented with its Basic Skills Quality Mark.
She will join Alan Wells, from the award body and head teacher John Littler in addressing the school assembly.
Afterwards she will tour the school with members of the school council.
River alert
POLICE and fire crews were called to Bridge Foot, Warrington after a
man apparently jumped into the Mersey from the embankment near Mr Smith’s Club.
Firefighters were ready to launch an inflatable boat to rescue the man but he managed to get out of the water and was assisted up the bank to dry land. He was unhurt.
Arsonists’ strike
ARSONISTS struck on the Riverside Retail Park at Warrington, setting fire to three skips situated near to business premises.
Fire crews managed to extinguish the fires before any damage was caused to property.
A Fire Service spokesman advised property owners to ensure skips were kept well away from buildings to avoid more serious damage.
