Local man dies in
motorway tragedy
by David Skentelbery
A WARRINGTON man has died after a horrific accident on the M6 at High Legh.
He was a traffic management operative working on the southbound carriageway when a car careered into a coned off area, hitting him and another man.
Both suffered injuries from which they later died.
The 31-year-old woman driver of the car – a silver Honda Civic – also suffered fatal injuries.
Police closed the motorway for several hours and traffic tailed back several miles.
The two dead motorway workers were a Warrington man aged 48 and a man aged 41. The woman was from Fulwood, Preston.
Police are asking anyone who witnessed the crash to call the motorway unit on 01244 350000.
No other vehicle was involved in the incident.
College launches drive
to help build a school
by John Hendon
A WARRINGTON college is poised to start a major fund-raising campaign in a bid to raise ?1,000 to help build a new school in Kenya.
Students and staff at Priestley College will stage a programme of live music, disco and a raffle.
A party from the college recently returned from Kenya – a country the college has been visiting for the last 10 years.
During the recent trip the college party was struck by the conditions of deprivation in which local school children were taught and have pledged to do something about it, in the remote Marich Pass, in the northern party of the country.
They were shocked and saddened to see the termite-infested shack that formed the basis of the Runo Primary School, which they visited on their studies and also to learn of the number of orphans who studied there.
To get the fund raising under way, the Warrington public is being urged to support the first event at Grappenhall Community Centre, this Saturday at 8pm.
A live band “Paper People” will perform and there will also be a disco and raffle. It is hoped to raise ?1,000 towards the cost of building materials.
Bev Whittaker, curriculum manager for the college’s Early Years, Education and Health and Social Care Department said: “As a group we were really shocked by what we saw at the Runo Primary School and vowed to do something about it on our return to the UK. We hope Saturday’s event will just be the start of things as we aim to raise as much money as possible in order to complete this worthwhile project.”
Derelict house used
for drug-taking
by Lesley Wilkinson
A DERILICT house which is used as a base for drinking and drug-taking should be knocked-down and the site cleared, according to Stockton Heath Parish Council.
Coun Sonia Boggan complained that the Warrington Borough Council-owned property 61 Chester Road was an “eyesore.” Clerk Peter Briggs had written to the council to complain about the property. The council had replied to say it was part of a larger area of council-owned land that was under review and had promised to look at its security.
Coun Boggan said: “The walls are breaking away and it is an absolute disgrace, it looks like a slum. It is dreadful and we are not prepared to put up with this. There are brambles all over it and bricks and roof tiles falling off.
“It is horrendous and every time I pass by it seems to be getting worse,” she added.
Coun Patrick Mullee said Police Community Support Officers had suggested that it could not be knocked down, as there were concerns that gypsies would move onto the site. But members suggested the council could block the site to prevent this.
Coun Graham Roughsedge said: “If one of the druggies is in the house and the roof falls in, then the council will be responsible.”
Coun Jordan said she would follow up the complaints with the borough council.
Adult learners can
travel the world
by staff reporter
ADULT Learners’ Week kicks off in Warrington on May 21 – with a wide variety of events at local libraries.
There will be a range of free opportunities, including chances to learn about other countries and their cultures.
Among opportunities on offer are:
Padgate Library, Insall Road, Saturday, May 21: The luck of the Irish. A collection of books, Celtic music and hearty fayre from the Emerald Isle.
Westbrook Library, Westbrook Centre, Monday May 23: A Taste of the Orient. Chinese calligraphy or origami and eating with chopsticks.
Birchwood Library, Brock Road, Tuesday May 24: A second chance to experience the Taste of the Orient.
Warrington Library, Museum Street, Thursday, May 26. The Taj Mahal Experience. A chance to explore the wonders of vast, mystical India.
Further details are available from Cheryl Roberts (Padgate) on 01925 818096, Karen Poolton (Birchwood) on 01925 827491 and Susan Ashworth (Warrington) on 01925 442889.
Fire alert
at prison
by staff reporter
WARDERS at Risley Prison, near Warrington, tackled a fire which broke out in a communal area of A Wing during the night.
The blaze started in a waste bin and was put out by prison staff using an extinguishers.
Fire crews were called to the scene but the blaze had been extinguished before they arrived. They ensured the area was safe.
Cause of the outbreak is not known, but no damage was caused to property and no-one was hurt.
New chairman
appointed
by Lesley Wilkinson
NEW chairman of Stockton Heath Parish Council, Coun Dorothy Robb, vowed to do her best for the community as she was appointed.
She thanked retiring chairman Coun Graham Roughsedge for his work during the past 12 months.
Coun Maurice Leslie was appointed deputy chairman.
Library stages
poetry evening
by staff reporter
WARRINGTON Library is to stage a poetry evening on Friday, May 20, following the success of previous evenings.
The evening is expected to attract a mixed bag of local poets and fans of the spoken word.
But parents thinking of taking children are warned that some of the poems may have an adult theme.
Admission and refreshments are free and there is limited parking available in Museum Street. Further details are available from Susan on 01925 442889.
