Pub battle ends – and a
historic name to vanish
by David Skentelbery
A ROW which split a community has ended – and will result in a historic name disappearing from the map at Grappenhall, near Warrington.
Planning bosses have given the go-ahead for the demolition of the Dog and Dart pub in Knutsford Road to make way for 44 sheltered apartments for people aged 60-plus.
Although the pub is only about 40 years-old, it is the second to bear the name “Dog and Dart” in Grappenhall – and the first was around 200 years old when it was demolished.
More than 140 people had lodged objections to the scheme put forward by developers McCarthy and Stone – but near neighbours had supported it.
Parish councillor Mike Biggin said the people of Grappenhall and Thelwall were overwhelmingly opposed to demolition of the pub.
He said Warrington had sufficient housing land until 2016 and the Dog and Dart was the only pub in Grappenhall. It was a valuable social property used by locals who wanted a pub rather than a restaurant.
Licensee Helen Harris said she had been at the pub only nine months but in that time her customers had become her friends.
She said: “It is a real local pub. We have a football team and a children’s rugby team. People want a community pub. It is not a dying pub – it caters for all ages.”
Mrs Harris predicted serious parking and traffic problems because the pub car park was used by parents taking their children to the nearby school in Bradshaw Lane.
But near neighbour Sue Lister said the pub caused noise, loud music and nuisance, with teenagers hanging around on the car park and causing a disturbance. It contributed nothing to the local economy and was an eyesore.”
She said high quality sheltered homes were needed and would benefit the local area, bringing people who wanted to shop locally.
Chamber in
the army now
by Gary Skentelbery
BUSINESS leaders were given an insight into the work of the Territorial Army during a visit to the Kings Cheshire Regiment at Peninsular Barracks, Warrington.
New commanding officer Lt Col Peter Rafferty invited members of the Chamber of Commerce to a special luncheon at the barracks, to introduce himself to the business community.
He gave an insight into the Kings Cheshire Regiment who had the largest TA contingent in Iraq, where many members of the regiment had “life changing experiences” in close combat and confidence building.
Their work included humanitarian, rebuilding, training Iraqi police officers, border patrols as well as street fighting. “All these tasks were carried out by relatively inexperienced soldiers,” said Peter.
“The good news is that they all came back and are now back in training or back with their employers.
“They were accepted as professionals who do the job part-time.”
He said the Kings Cheshire Regiment were currently busy recruiting in the Warrington area and plans were in the pipeline for a parade through the town later in the year, when more than 200 members of the regiment will receive their service medals at a civic reception.
Police hunt for
“flasher” in park
by John Hendon
POLICE at Warrington are searching for a sex fiend who exposed himself to a woman as she walked through a park.
The “flasher” terrified the woman as she walked through Peel Hall Park, near to a picnic area.
He was sitting on a picnic table when the offence took place.
A police spokeswoman said: “We believe the man may be a regular visitor so we would like to hear from anyone who may have seen him. It is possibly he may have a pedal cycle – we think one may have been leaning against the picnic table.”
The man is described as about 30, six feet tall and with mousey or blond hair. He was wearing black pants or trainers.
Anyone who can help police is asked to call PC Pam Hopkins on 01244 350000.
Four hour battle to
quell scrap fire
by John Hendon
FIRE crews fought through the night to extinguish a large fire at a scrapyard at Winwick near Warrington.
The blaze was at Wade’s scrapyard and involved dozens of scrap cars and skips filled with car parts.
Six fire engines and a foam tender were involved in the operation, and firefighters had to use special lighting.
The blaze was reported shortly after midnight and it was around 4.30am before the crews were able to leave the scene.
The cause of the outbreak is being investigated.
Landfill tax funds
children’s “playzone”
by Terry Johnson
TAX from waste dumping is to fund a special children’s “playzone” in Warrington’s biggest town park.
Work is to start in June on the ?108,800 project in Victoria Park. It will provide ‘challenging’ play facilities for children and disabled wheelchair-users.
Waste Recycling Group has stumped up ?85,000 towards the cost in Landfill Tax.
The playzone is set to open in late-July.
Warrington Council spokesman, Gary Jenkins, said: “The playzone will be built close to the existing popular skatepark. The two projects will provide facilities and opportunities for children of all age groups and disabilities”.
The emphasis would be on providing fun and challenging opportunities.
The scheme is part of the council’s Communities Vision Project for re-development of the century-old park, alongside the Mersey.
Residents to tackle “root
cause” of youth problem
by Terry Johnson
RESIDENTS of a Warrington district plagued by “youth nuisance” problems have pledged to tackle the root cause – the lack of facilities for young people.
Police and partner agencies agree with residents of Whitecross that targeting under-provision for youths could provide respite from vandalism and other anti-social behaviour problems.
Community Support Officer Kath Harkin, said: “Tackling youth nuisance isn’t just about police targeting the minority who cause problems. It’s about the whole community engaging with young people to resolve the issues.”
She added: “By addressing the lack of youth facilities and consulting directly with young people, we hope to encourage youths to take an active interest in their community”.
PC Tony Davidson said: “The Whitecross community is taking a fresh look at the problem of youth nuisance by getting to grips with some of the issues than can cause anti-social behaviour.”
Young people are being encouraged to attend Community Action meetings to make their voice heard.
The next meeting is on April 7 in the Sacred Heart Primary School, Selby Street, 7.00pm.
Walkers wanted
for charity hike
by staff reporter
AN appeal has gone out for walkers to take part in a charity half-marathon – from Bowdon to Lymm and back.
Organiser Moira Tyldesley wants people to boost the event on April 24. It will raise funds for Guide Dogs for the Blind as part of a ?5,000 tribute effort to name a guide dog.
The half-marathon starts at Bowdon at 10.00a.m., with refreshments taken at the Church Green pub, alongside Lymm Dam, before the return trek.
Mrs Tyldesley can be contacted for information and sponsorship forms on 01925 752070.
Local firm designs
office operation
by staff reporter
WARRINGTON-based specialist, CSE Space Management Ltd., has designed an office and warehousing operation for leading international manufacturer and distributor, Melaleuca.
The full transformation of an unoccupied Manchester unit by CSE enables Melaleuca, who deal in wellness products and cosmetics, to set up operations in the UK.
