Ex-Labour councillor
defects to Lib Dems
by David Skentelbery
A FORMER Labour councillor at Warrington has defected to the Liberal Democrats.
Dave Eccles, who was a borough councillor representing Birchwood, was one of a number of councillors who fell victim to the 2004 “purge” carried out by Labour Party regional bosses.
Former council leaders John Gartside and Mike Hughes were de-selected at the same time and Mr Hughes subsequently became leader of the local branch of the Community Action Party.
But Mr Eccles, a Labour Party member for nearly 18 years, remained with the party and until recently was secretary of the Warrington North Constituency branch.
He was on the borough council for four years, serving on the development control and scrutiny committees and representing the council on the North West Sports Board. He is currently a member of Poulton-with-Fearnhead Parish Council and was previously a member of Birchwood Town Council for 10 years.
Married with three daughters, he was formerly a teacher and is a governor at a local secondary school and a local primary school. He is also actively involved with community and voluntary groups.
Mr Eccles said: “Leaving one political party for another is not an easy decision and certainly not one to be made lightly. But I firmly believe that the people and communities of Warrington can now best be served by the Liberal Democrat Party and the social democratic principles it champions. Both its national and local policies and its values of honesty, openness, transparency and consultation are what are needed now to take the town forward in the challenging times ahead.
?The party has a fresh, positive and inclusive approach which I can wholeheartedly support and one which I know the people of Warrington appreciate.”
Leader of the Liberal Democrat Group on Warrington Council, Coun Ian Marks, said, “I am delighted that Dave has decided to join the Liberal Democrats. I have known him for many years and have always held him in high regard. I know that he has become increasingly disillusioned with Labour and now feels he has more in common with us.?
Terry Probert, chairman of Warrington North Liberal Democrats, added, “His knowledge and experience will be of tremendous benefit to us.?
Sid’s art on show
at top gallery
by Lesley Wilkinson
WARRINGTON Wolves Foundation patron Sid Domic has an exhibition of his artwork on display in London until September 9.
Sid, who formerly played for Wolves, is the only aboriginal artist resident in Britain, now plays for Hull, but is still heavily involved in the Wolves? community work.
Wolves fans will have seen his work at the stadium’s North Stand – a piece of artwork depicting the origins of the Foundation’s work.
His London exhibition is at the Rebecca Hossack Gallery.
Sid, who is of aboriginal descent was brought up in Western society. He started painting in 1996 and uses his rich ancestry as inspiration and to find out more about his culture.
“I have a limited knowledge of traditional ways and although I am a descendant of the Kalkadoon people I have never set foot on Kalkadoon territory. The knowledge of my people that I do possess is the culmination of 10 years of research and conversation with my grandmother Ivy Domic,” he said.
Domic’s relatives have talked to him about his unique heritage, which is explored in his work. Through his sport, Domic has visited schools to speak to the children about his culture and used his art to explain his people’s way of life.
A former Australian schoolboy international, Sid has played for Brisbane Broncos and Penrith Panthers in the Australian NRL and Warrington, Wakefield and Hull in the Super League. He will be retiring at the end of the 2007 season, and returning to Australia. He has previously exhibited his work at The Pyramid, Warrington.
Council employees
can work on after 65
by Lesley Wilkinson
AN INNOVATIVE scheme to allow workers to keep their jobs after the retirement age of 65 has been introduced by Warrington Borough Council.
The new Employment Equality (Age) regulations come into force on October 1 making age discrimination and retirement below the age of 65, without justification, unlawful.
The council goes a step further by removing the compulsory retirement age and allowing its 8,000 employees more choice in when they retire.
Lisa Fenton, assistant head of human resources, said: “This is beneficial to employer and employee alike, as it offers individuals flexibility, embraces the spirit of the new age regulations and contributes to the council’s commitment to equality.”
The decision, approved by the council’s executive board, means an employee of 65 or more will end their employment in the same way as any other employee ? either through resignation or dismissal.
Any dismissals will be under existing procedures and will be subject to the same tests of reasonableness.
Ms Fenton said: ?In other words, age ceases to become a factor in itself when considering the performance or ongoing employment of employees.?
Four cornered fight
for council by-election
by staff reporter
A BY-election is planned for Poulton North seat on Warrington Borough Council following the death of popular councillor Albert Clemow in June.
Polling cards are being delivered for those eligible to vote in the election on September 7.
Candidates standing are Kevin Bennett, Labour, Michael David Jackson, Green Party, Francine Elizabeth Leslie, Conservative, and Sharon Wilson, Liberal Democrat.
Polling stations will be open between 7am and 10pm. They are Cinnamon Brow Community Centre, Perth Close, Fearnhead Cross Community and Youth Centre, Install Road, Brook Acre Community Primary School, Hilden Road, Hawthorn Centre, Orange Grove and Longbarn Community Primary School, Fallowfield Grove.
The last date to apply for postal vote is Tuesday August 22 at 5pm, and for a proxy vote Wednesday August 30 at the same time.
Christian theatre group
to perform in church
by John Hendon
A CHRISTIAN theatre group is to perform at St Mary’s Church, Lymm, near Warrington, on Wednesday October 18.
The Rhema Theatre Company will present “The Letter,” a play telling the story of the life of St Paul using music, theatre and comedy.
The performance will be at 7.30pm and tickets are priced ?6.00 and ?4.00 (concessions). Further details are available from Peter Clark on 01925 753595.
The visit is part of a national tour by the company, which aims to present the Christian message in an accessible and engaging way.
Police warning over
bogus road workers
by staff reporter
POLICE have issued a warning to people in the Warrington area following a burglary by two men posing as workmen.
The pair went to a house in Walton Lea Road, Higher Walton and told the occupant they had just burst a water main just down the road while carrying out excavations.
They asked if they could check the water pressure in the house – and while one man did this, the other ransacked bedrooms leaving them in an untidy state.
A police spokeswoman said it was not yet known whether the men had obtained any property from the house. They had been unable to provide the householder with any identification.
But police were concerned that similar attempts may be made to distract householders to enable burglaries to take place.
Man beaten up
in the street
by John Hendon
A MAN was beaten up as he walked along a road in the Latchford area of Warrington.
Police are seeking witnesses following the early afternoon attack in Stringer Crescent.
The victim, aged 37, suffered injuries to his face which required hospital treatment.
Anyone who can helped is asked to call PC Matt Findlow on 0845 458 0000.
