Petrol bomb attack
on luxury flats site
by David Skentelbery
POLICE are investigating a petrol bomb attack on a partly built block of luxury flats at Warrington early today.
A security guard dodged serious injury by inches when the bomb flew passed his head at the Bevan Court development at the junction of Chester Road and Wilderspool Causeway.
Fire caused extensive damage to newly fitted patio doors in the partially constructed building.
Police are searching for three men in a silver car seen nearby who may have been involved in the incident shortly after 1am.
A spokesman said: “The security guard heard voices on the other side of a fence and the next moment the petrol bomb flew passed his head and struck the wall of the building.”
The silver car was seen in adjoining Dunlop Street immediately after the attack and one theory is that the occupants could have driven there to try and examine the results of the attack.
A passing ambulance driver raised the alarm after seeing flames licking up the side of the building.
Bevan Court is named after Warrington Rugby League legend Brian Bevan.
Planners give full backing
to power plant scheme
by David Skentelbery
PLANNING bosses have unanimously backed a scheme to install equipment to reduce sulphur dioxide emissions from the giant Fiddlers Ferry Power Station, near Warrington.
The multi-million scheme involving installing flue gas desulphurisation (FGD) equipment in all four generating units at the plant was given the go-ahead by the borough council’s development control committee.
If approved by the Department of Trade and Industry, the proposals would result in the power station continuing in operation beyond 2020-25, contributing to the region’s electricity supply.
Cuerdley Parish Council – in whose area the plant is situated ? did not oppose the scheme in principle.
But they have expressed concern at the likelihood of potential industrial developments in and around the application and the emissions likely to be caused by increased road and rail transport.
They asked for additional conditions to be imposed ? including one that the whole plant produces energy from coal and that the station is completely covered by a desulphurisation plant.
Planning consent already existed for FGD equipment in one generating unit.
The scheme will result in an increase in traffic on local roads during the construction period, from next year until 2008. There will be some 350 contractors on site, with 50 heavy lorry deliveries a day.
But Warrington is unlikely to suffer much as most of the traffic is expected to turn left, towards Widnes, when it leaves the power station, according to planners
Power station manager Mark Hayward told the meeting the installation involved proven technology already widely used in the UK which would reduce emissions.
?I believe this plan is good news for the people of Warrington,? he said.
Road deliveries would be kept to a minimum and it was expected there would be one extra rail movement a day out of the plant.
The application was supported by neighbouring Halton Council and there wee no objections from English Nature, the Countryside Agency or the Environment Agency.
Installation of the equipment will require alterations to rail sidings and unloading equipment, enclosed conveyors for transporting limestone from the rail sidings to the FGD plant, storage buildings and other facilities. But it would all be built within the existing site boundary and will make little difference to the appearance of the power station.
The process will result in the production of gypsum which can be sold to the plasterboard industry. This will be exported from the site, although about 75 per cent of it will be carried by rail.
Dance spectacular
by Gary Skentelbery
WARRINGTON based dance group Independance staged a spectacular show for family and friends at the Parr Hall.
The girls who regular perform to entertain the crowds and warrington Wolves and Sale Sharks, wanted to show how far they have developed as a team combining dance and gymnastics since their move to a new studio at Evans House.
Sponsored by Eddie Stobart they are now the transport hauliers official motor sport team.
Picture shows choreographer Jennifer Gittins (centre) with Kate Westwood, Charlotte Hinchliffe, Natalie Briscoe, Catherine Sylvester and Samantha Chorley.
For more information on the troupe visit www.independance.org.uk
Police seek
more time
by Gary Skentelbery
CHESHIRE Police Authority have put forward a draft option appraisal to the Home Secretary in response to his call for the restructuring of policing in England & Wales.
In line with the Association of Police Authorities? recent resolution, the statement does not put forward a preferred option, or represent a final business case.
Chairman Peter Nurse commented: ?We are still not convinced that the options put forward by the Home Secretary for us to merge with one of our metropolitan neighbours will more effectively address high level criminality and wish for further time to properly develop our business case.
?There are a number of both policing and other issues, including that of governance, finance and transitional costs on which we need further clarity from the Home Secretary before we will be in a position to make a decision on a preferred option which is in the best interests of the citizens of Cheshire.”
Cheshire Police Authority is an independent body responsible for ensuring Cheshire Constabulary delivers an efficient and effective police service.
It is made up of 17 local people who include 9 councillors, 3 magistrates and 5 members of the public.
Carol singing helps
China charity trek
by David Skentelbery
MARKETING executive Ceri Jones, 36, went carol singing on a railway station – to “market” her forthcoming charity trek along the Great Wall of China.
Ceri, from Culcheth near Warrington persuaded her friend Lisa Heyes to join her for the festive singing session on Warrington Central Station.
Between them, they raised ?126 towards the ?2,400 Ceri must raise to finance her trek, which is in aid of the National Deaf Children’s Society.
Ceri will be flying to China in May when she will spend five days hiking 80 km along the wall.
Two years ago, Ceri walked the famous Inca Trail, in Peru, raising ?2,700 for charity.
That was a 50km walk, involving altitudes of 14,000 ft so she believes she should have few problems with the Great Wall of China.
But to be on the safe side, she has embarked on a tough training regime, walking in the Lake District and locally with a local walking group.
Burglars fled
empty handed
by staff reporter
TWO men fled empty handed after being disturbed trying to burgle a house at Cuerdley, near Warrington.
The men entered the home of a 51-year-old woman through the rear door in the early evening.
They were disturbed by the woman and fled, taking nothing. They drove off in a G-registered silver BMW estate car.
The woman only got a clear view of one of the men. Police said he was about 6ft or 6ft three inches tall, tanned with dark hair and was wearing a blue top and blue hat.
They have issued an e-fit of the man and are appealing for help from anyone who recognises the man or who saw anything suspicious in the Cuerdley area.
Anyone who can help should call PC Jaqueline Gee on 01244 614892.
Four teenagers arrested
after cars broken into
by John Hendon
FOUR teenagers have been arrested on suspicion of stealing from a number of parked cars at Latchford, Warrington.
Several car owners reported items missing from their vehicles – but police have recovered goods which they believe wer
e stolen from a car but which have not been reported missing.
Two 16-year-olds and a 15-year-old from Warrington have been questioned, along with a 17-year-old from Widnes. All are currently on bail pending further police enquiries.
But police are trying to trace the owner of property recovered during the investigation which have not been claimed by the victims so far interviewed.
Anyone who has lost property in a car theft in the Latchford area is asked to contact PC Chris Adkins or PC Joyce Jones on 01244 612633.
Wolves stadium
goes no-smoking
by staff reporter
THE Halliwell Jones Stadium, home of Warrington Wolves will be a no smoking stadium from Sunday, January 1.
A no smoking ban will cover all areas of the stadium, including concourses and hospitality suites.
The first fixture the new ruling will effect will be on Monday, January 2 against Bradford Bulls.
A club spokesman said: ?We would like to thank our supporters in advance for their co-operation in making The Halliwell Jones Stadium a healthier place to be.
