?50m boost
for Daresbury
science park
by John Hendon
THE North West Regional Development Agency is to almost double its investment in Daresbury International Science and Technology Park, near Warrington.
It is increasing its investment from ?25.7 million to ?50.3 million because it has become apparent that the potential for the site was much greater than originally envisaged.
A significant part of this new investment is to part fund the Cockcroft Institute, the UK’s National Centre for Accelerator Science, which will be located at Daresbury.
This was won by the Universities of Liverpool, Lancaster and Manchester in collaboration with ASTEC, a large team of scientists at the Daresbury Laboratory, against strong competition.
The expansion of the science park will reaffirm Daresbury’s reputation as a centre of excellence for scientific research and development and will attract significant investment to the region.
NWDA chief executive Steven Broomhead (pictured)said: “The NWDA is pleased to announce this substantial investment in Daresbury Science Park reaffirming our commitment to the future of this flagship project.
“This multi-use, multi-purpose science park of international standing will attract world-class research and commercial operations that will make a significant contribution to the regional economy.”
Colin Whitehouse, director of Daresbury Laboratory and CCLRC’s chief technologist, said: “The Cockcroft Institute will lead the way for the UK in designing and co-ordinating the UK contributions to the next generations of particle accelerators which are vitally important to internationally leading scientific and medical research programmes.
“This is yet another key example of a major new project that has been won for the North West, based on the very important new strategic partnership that has been established between the key North West Universities, CCLRC Daresbury Laboratory, NWDA and Halton Borough Council.”
Mother and sons
missing from home
by David Skentelbery
POLICE at Warrington are becoming increasingly concerned over the welfare of a young mother and her two young children.
Lucy Massey, aged 27, from Grasmere Avenue, Orford, Warrington has been missing since July 19.
She is believed to have her two sons, aged seven and two, with her.
Lucy is described as 5ft 6 ins tall, of large build, pale complexion and with straight shoulder length hair which is dark brown in colour.
She is thought to be driving a blue ‘R’ registered Renault Scenic, registation number R428 JFS.
Anyone who may have seen this car is asked to contact police on 01244 350000.
Police are concerned for the welfare and safety of her family as it is believed that one of her sons may require medical attention. Police believe that Lucy could be anywhere in the country at this time.
They are appealing for Lucy to make contact to provide reassurance that she and her family are safe and well. Police are also appealing for anyone who has any information as to her whereabouts to contact Dc Jayne Drum on 01244 613864.
Pets on parade at
the children’s zoo
by John Hendon
PET parades and a barbecue are just some of the treats on offer at Warrington’s Walton Hall Children’s Zoo’s animal extravaganza on Sunday 14th August – and everyone is invited to come along.
The zoo rangers and Friends of Walton Estate have organised the event, called Animal Ark and Pets Parade, to celebrate the unveiling of new gates for the children’s zoo and to view progress to date on the refurbishment work being carried out thanks to funding from the council and Waste Recycling Environment Ltd (WREN).
The new set of gates is the first project to be funded by the zoo’s Animal Adoption Scheme, where people can adopt an animal for just ?12 per year, and adopters past and present have been formally invited to thank them for all their support.
The pet parade will give owners a chance to show off their pets and animal knowledge in a competition. There are two age groups; age seven and under and eight to 16. Registration for the competition will take place between 1pm and 2.30pm on the day and there will be prizes for the winners and certificates for all entrants.
Animal Ark aims to help people learn about different pets and there will be displays and experts on hand, including the RSPCA, Ferret Rescue and Talons Birds of Prey, to offer advice on a wide variety of animals.
The Mayor of Warrington, Coun Hans Mundry is also holding a barbecue in support of his charity appeal between noon and 4pm with entertainment from the Heswall Concert Band between 1pm and 4pm.
Keith Inman, chairman of the Friends of Walton Estate, said: “This is a big event for us and we would like to thank all our animal adopters past and present for contributing to the new gates. We have arranged all sorts of ‘animal activities’ to ensure that it is a great day out and we want everyone to come along and join in the fun.
“Promoting animal care is our aim, which is why we have also invited along animal experts to give people advice and we hope lots of children and young people enter the pet parade.”
Neighbours lead
man to safety
by staff reporter
NEIGHBOURS led an elderly man to safety after fire broke out in the kitchen at his home in Mendip Avenue, Orford, Warrington.
A smoke detector was in place but did not activate and raise the alarm when the fire, caused by a frying pan left unattended, burst into flames.
Firefighters wearing breathing apparatus used a hose reel jet to extinguish the blaze.
The man was taken to hospital by the ambulance service where he received treatment for smoke inhalation.
A Fire Service spokesman said: “People should be aware of the dangers of frying and chip pans. Check the operation of smoke alarms regularly.”
Fire victim is
missing from home
by staff reporter
A 46-year-old Warrington man has been missing from home since July 28.
Brian Hawkins, of Grange Avnue, Latchford, had recently been forced out of his home after a serious fire.
He had been staying with a friend at Birchwood.
But he has not been seen since July 28.
Police are becoming concerned regarding his welfare.
Mr Hawkins is about 5ft 8 ins tall and of proportionate build. He is unshaven, with grey spiky hair.
He was last seen wearing a blue shirt, denim jeans and is described as having an unkempt appearance. Police and members of his family are anxious to speak to anyone who may have seen or had contact with him.
Police have conducted a number of enquiries with family, friends and associates of Brian Hawkins in an attempt to trace him He has family in the Droylsden area of Manchester and also is thought to have friends in the Blackpool area and police are appealing for people in both those areas to contact police if they have had any contact with him.
A policespokesman said: “It may be that he doesn’t wish to return home immediately but we would ask that he makes contact with police, family or friends to provide everyone with reassurance he is safe and well.” Anyone who can help trace Mr Hawkins is asked to call police at Warrington on 0845 458 0000.
Faulty switch led
to kitchen fire
by staff reporter
FIRE crews went to a house in Evelyn Street, Warrington when a blaze broke out in the kitchen.
A smoke detector was activated and raised the alarm when a faulty ignition switch on a gas hob ignited a pizza box which had been placed on top of the hob. The occupant extinguished the fire using a wet towel.
A Fire Service spokesman said: “Carelessness in kitchens can lead to serious consequences – also faulty gas/electrical appliances should be examined and replaced as soon as possiblel Fire home safety visits are available for all householders with free smoke alarms from the Fire Service.”
