Robbery victim kicked
as he lay on ground
by John Hendon
A 23-year-old Warrington man was attacked, punched and then kicked as he lay helpless on the ground.
He was then robbed of cash and an MP3 player.
The attack took place in Sankey Valley Park, near to the Gulliver?s World theme park in the early evening.
As the victim neared an area of ponds near the Sankey Canal, two youths approached him.
They knocked him to the ground, punching and then kicking him and causing injuries to his head and hand.
Then they went through his pockets and stole the property.
After the attack the badly shaken victim required hospital treatment for his injuries.
Police say the pair were both aged about 15-17 and were wearing black baseball caps, tracksuits and trainers or boots.
Anyone who witnessed the attack is asked to contact DC Moira Hay on 01244 613835.
Pensioner Pete plans a
high speed come-back
by David Skentelbery
VETERAN biker Pete Williams is planning a comeback to the high speed world of drag-racing – at the age of 65.
Pete, from Mee Brow, Culcheth, Warrington says he wants to compete with the “young guys.” He is hoping to buy a 180 mph bike which with some “tweaking” should be capable of speeds of more than 200 mph.
Pete Williams’ whole life story is one of chasing the dream of becoming the fastest man on two wheels.
He was once among the top handful but his biking obsession has been hit by a series of disasters – not least suffering a heart attack more than eight years ago.
At one stage he sold his home to fund another bid on the speed record and on another occasion he was evicted from his workshop.
Financial problems have also caused setbacks.
Recently Pete has been helping to run the Mee Brow Youth Club but now he has taken a back seat with that to concentrate on his own biking projects while, as he says, he still can.
He is still running his 38-year-old 1,300cc double-engined Triumph drag-bike, which he calls “Two Faced” and which was third fastest in Europe some years ago. But he also has a 1,500cc version.
“I run these mainly at classic events as people like to see them and I still enjoy riding them.
“However later this year I hope to buy a Suzuki Hayabusa. I want to compete with the young guys. For the first time ever I shall be letting someone else do the engine tuning – a mate of mine, Wayne Little, is used to tuning these engines and fitting Nitrous Oxide kits, so he will do the engine work.
“I will do frame modifications myself and, of course, I will be doing the riding.
“These bikes will do 180 mph standard, so with some tweaking well over 200 mph should be achievable – if I don’t loose my bottle. I want to be riding something up-to-date for a change!”
Pete has been invited to make a guest appearance on Channel 4’s “Scrapheap Challenge” – the series in which madcap characters create mayhem with their inventions made from scrap – later this year or early next.
But the irrepressible Pete joked: “This doesn’t mean I am on the scrapheap.”
Town Hall chiefs pledge
more consultation
by staff reporter
THE Lib Dem-Tory administration running Warrington Borough Council is pledging to go further than ever before in consulting the public on strategic planning and the budget.
They plan to hold a high profile public event later in the autumn to explain to residents the pressures facing the council and to seek views on what should be done about them.
Council leader Ian Marks (pictured) said: ?This year, the new Lib Dem-Conservative administration intends to engage with real consultation with the public.
?Too often in the past, consultation has meant telling people once a decision has been made.
?Now we want to show people we will act on what they tell us. Later in the autumn we want to run a high profile public event. We will be open about the pressures facing the council and seek views about what we should be doing more of and what we should be doing less of.”
When in opposition, both Tory and Lib Dem councillors frequently criticised the then Labour administration for what they described as inadequate consultation on the budget in particular.
Local business leaders also complained that they were not adequately consulted.
But Labour leaders also claimed consultation in Warrington far exceeded that in most other areas.
Second bid to ease
road safety fears
by David Skentelbery
HIGHWAYS chiefs at Warrington are to carry out a second experiment to ease road safety and pollution problems for residents living on the A50.
Heavy lorries are to be banned on stretches of the road in Long Lane, North Way and Orford Green from October 9 for a period of 18 months.
It will be the second experimental 7.5 tonne weight limit to be introduced on the road.
The first was implemented about 18 months ago in response to the concerns of residents.
A recent consultation exercise has indicated that most residents support the restrictions. Around 100 have indicated they would like to retain the weight restriction.
But 10 local businesses have drawn attention to difficulties the restrictions are causing them.
Highways chiefs are seeking a compromise. They propose extending the area where the restrictions apply but giving lorries an exemption provided they are loading or unloading at premises close to the affected lengths of road.
A further consultation will be carried out after the second 18-month experiment.
Cycle museum to host
vintage vehicle event
by Terry Johnson
TIMEWARP cyclists and vintage car enthusiasts gather at Walton Hall Gardens, Warrington, on October 15 for a yester-year double event.
The Cycle Museum based at the showpiece park plays host to the Veteran Cycle Club and Chester Vintage Enthusiasts Club (vintage and veteran cars).
Said museum curator, Paul Adams: “The vintage cars will form a static display, while Veteran Cycle Club members enjoy a ride around local lanes before returning to the park for lunch and a display to compliment the cars”.
A chance to
quiz police
RESIDENTS of Birchwood, Warrington get a chance to quiz police officers on local issues at a meeting on Monday (September 25).
The Birchwood Community Action Meeting will take place at the Thomas Risley Church, in Glover Road, at 7.30pm.
Police and Community Support Officers will be present to discuss local policing issues and offer advice.
