Vandals threat to
“sleepy oasis” park
by Terry Johnson
TOWN Hall chiefs plan to seal off two entrances to a once “sleepy oasis” park in a losing battle against insurgent vandals and criminals.
For a half-century Bewsey Park at Warrington has provided solitude for strollers and the focus for relaxing games of bowls, with its three greens.
But drug-users, arsonists and wreckers have moved into the once pleasant park, posing a threat to public safety and security.
Despite security patrols and special police attention, the problems have become so acute that Warrington Council is being forced to close two of the three park entrances.
A council spokesman said: “This action will potentially reduce the risk of crime by removing passageways that act as a through route to the adjoining housing estate”.
Entrances to the park off Bagot Avenue and Delves Avenue contributed to the “high level of crime and disorder” now taking place, including fire-raising and sabotage to bowling greens.
Creation of a single access at Troutbeck Avenue, instead of the present three park entrances, would tighten security and allow eyesore anti-vandal fencing to be removed.
The spokesman said this measure would also better protect the bungalow homes of pensioners on the fringes of the park. Youths grouping in this area created an atmosphere of anxiety for old people.
The changes would bring the park into line with newer residential/openspace layouts, where access is controlled – rather than using many obscured points of access.
“This proposal will allow the site to be managed, maintained and enjoyed in a more safe, efficient and economic manner,” the spokesman added.
Worried residents wait
on mast decision
by David Skentelbery
WORRIED residents should learn this week whether they have succeeded in a battle to stop a 60 ft high mobile phone mast going up near their homes in Padgate, Warrington.
National Grid Wireless – on behalf of mobile phone operators Hutchinson 3G UK ? are seeking planning consent for the mast at a redundant gas holder site off Birchwood Way.
The matter has already been before Warrington?s development control committee once ? when residents persuaded councillors to defer a decision pending enquiries about the possibility of using an alternative, more acceptable site.
On Wednesday, the committee will examine the proposals again.
The application involves a 60 ft high tower, with three antennae and two dishes, within a new fenced compound on the site.
More than 100 residents have lodged objections, together with nearby St Oswald’s Primary School.
Residents have the support of Mayoress Coun Karen Mundry (pictured) who has disputed claims that the nearest homes would be 90 metres from the mast.
She says the mast would be much closer than that ? and that it would be wrong to locate it so close to the school.
Planning officers say the operators have demonstrated a need for network coverage in the area – particularly for traffic on the M6. They said the mast would be screened by trees.
Town’s TV initiative
wins ?52,000 boost
by John Hendon
THE Big Idea, Warrington?s Internet TV project, has been given a financial boost with new grants totalling ?52,772.
Grants from Arts Council and Broadband Connect have given project sums of ?41,700 and ?11,072 respectively.
This cash injection means the Pyramid arts centre ? driving force behind the initiative – can now appoint a project co-ordinator to overlook all Big Idea activities and a script writer for the creation of a soap opera script.
Additional funds will now also support marketing efforts, the purchase of equipment and allow for even greater involvement from the local community.
Last but not least, the ?How To? project, teaching the benefits of broadband Internet, can now go ahead.
A partnership with the Warrington Wolves Rugby Development Team, it will offer practical tips on making the most of the Internet. Based in the recently opened community learning facility at the Haliwell Jones Stadium, it will be presented by Wolves player Mike Wainwright.
Wally to “star”
in student video
by Lesley Wilkinson
EX-PARATROOPER Wally Barnes will soon be the ?star? of a video recounting his tales of the infamous Battle of Burtonwood and of the American forces in Warrington.
Wally, 81, of Delves Avenue, Bewsey, is well known as an expert on Warrington’s history. He has written eight books on local ghost stories and the history of the town.
He was recently invited to the Burtonwood Heritage Centre to talk about the base’s history. He met two students from the University of Chester who arranged to visit his home and record the tales on video.
“The students were really impressed with the tales, ” said Wally. “They are going to video me, and then the video can be shown to those interested.”
Wally, who was a wire drawer at Greenings in Warrington for 20 years before retirement, has been doing charity work since he was eight and sang for the old people at Warrington hospitals.
He has written the books for charity and has done lots of charity work singing and entertaining in Warrington’s clubs over the years.
Wally, and his wife Winnie, recently celebrated their 55th wedding anniversary with a family party. The couple have three children and six grandchildren.
He also recently received a Veteran’s Badge from the Ministry of Defence for his service during the war years.
Pensioner survives
horror blaze
by David Skentelbery
AN elderly man survived after accidentally setting himself on fire in the early hours of today.
The man, a resident of the Houghton Hall elderly person’s home, in Greenwood Crescent, Orford, Warrington, was engulfed in flames after an accident with a cigarette lighter.
He managed to put out the flames himself before firefighters reached the scene. But he was rushed to hospital by ambulance with second degree burns after receiving treatment at the scene.
His injuries are not thought to be life-threatening.
Fire crews managed to prevent the blaze causing any damage to the property.
“Death by degrees”
warning for elderly
by Terry Johnson
A WINTER danger alert has been sounded across Warrington – warning that some vulnerable pensioners face ?death by degrees?.
Experts say that for every l-degree temperature drop below average, at least 8.000 people in the UK could die from a cold-related illness.
Warrington Primary Care Trust wants to cut the risk to older townspeople whose homes could be made more comfy by Govt heating and insulation grants.
Households who are eligible could get ?2,700 of protection from the winter cold.
Corinne Thompson, from the Warm Front Team, said: “A sudden drop in temperature could have a serious impact on anyone struggling to cope with heating their home this winter.
“Those most at risk include older people, those suffering a long-term illness, the disabled, families with young children, pregnant women and people with a respiratory illness.”
Warm Front provides grants for loft and cavity wall insulation, draught-proofing and gas, electric and oil central heating.
People who own or rent their home and are receiving certain qualifying income or disability benefits can apply. Keep Warm-Keep Well booklets are in GP surgeries and libraries.
Missing man
found unharmed
by staff reporter
A 57-year-old Warrington man report missing from home last week has been found safe and well.
Police called off a search for Ronald Travis, from Penketh, when he was found on Saturday afternoon. He had not been seen since last Wednesday and his family were concerned for his safety.
He was taken to hospital for a precautionary check-up.
Help for the
disabled
by Terry Johnson
A NEW employment team has been set up at Warrington to help disabled people, lone parents and those on incapacity benefits.
Warrington Disability Partnership is holding an open afternoon on January 20 at the Centre for Independent Living, Beaufort Street, Warrington, to advise on access to training, volunteering and work placements.
Further details from Caroline Davies, 01925-240064.
[ 23.01.2006, 09:01: Message edited by: DS ]
