Mobile phones: gaps in
coverage across the town
by David Skentelbery
MOBILE phone operators have identified 21 locations across Warrington where gaps in coverage will mean they have to apply for more masts to be erected.
In a number of cases ? in the town centre, at Lymm, Padgate, Penketh, Appleton and Callands ? planning approvals have already been given.
But gaps have also been identified at Stockton Heath, Latchford, Howley, Orford, Birchwood, Cinnamon Brow, Culcheth, Fearnhead and Grappenhall.
Since September, 13 applications for masts have been put to local planners.
Two were subsequently withdrawn ? but the rest were approved. Three applications are currently being considered.
Members of the borough council?s Sustainable Environment and Regeneration Overview and Scrutiny committee will be considering the situation next week.
Council officers say mobile phone operators present their proposals poorly.
While in most cases, the lack of existing coverage is correctly identified, this is commonly not presented in a manner which is clear to councillors, council officers or, critically, the public.
But officers say the council?s approach to the determination of telecommunications proposals is ?robust.?
In most cases, the applications are determined in line with government advice and guidance, notwithstanding wider public concerns over issues such as health.
Opportunities exist for operators to share masts, officers say.
But in some cases, problems arise where equipment is unsuitable for sharing, particularly where smaller scale installations are disguised as street furniture.
Folk-rock veterans
return to town
by Terry Johnson
FOLK-rock band Fairport Convention come to Warrington on Thursday (March 2) as part of their 30-date UK tour.
The two-hour concert in Parr Hall opens with a 20-minute guest appearance by singer-songwriter, PJ Wright.
The group have played Warrington previously when they drew enthusiastic audiences.
Fairport Convention’s own 90-minute set will feature well-known classics from the band’s huge back catalogue as well as compositions from recent albums.
“It will be great to get on the road again – and we particularly enjoy playing Warrington”, said lead vocalist/guitarist Simon Nicol.
Tickets, ?15, from 01925-442345.
Boy of 12 robbed
at bus station
by John Hendon
A 12-year-old schoolboy was robbed in broad daylight at Warrington Bus Station.
Two youths demanded money from him ? and threatened to stab him.
The youngster was terrified and handed over a small amount of money.
Police say the boy was waiting for a bus at Bay D at the bus station when the two youths, who were sitting on a bench nearby, motioned him over.
After the robbery, the boy was left badly shaken.
The two offenders were both aged about 16-18 and were described as skinny. Both had short dark hair and both were wearing tracksuits and trainers.
Police are appealing for witnesses. Anyone who can help is asked to called PC Claire Barker on 01244 613834.
School’s 100th birthday party
PUPILS at Beamont Junior School, Warrington, dressed in Victorian clothing to celebrate the school?s 100th birthday.
Warrington North MP Helen Jones dropped in to join the celebrations.
Poetry is
booming
by staff reporter
A BOOM in poetry is being celebrated in Warrington.
Poetry evenings in the town’s Central Library on the first Friday of each month have had striking success.
The next event is next Friday (March 3) and anyone who might see themselves as an ’emergent poet’ is invited to share their thoughts with listeners.
Poetry sessions start at 7.00pm and admission and refreshments are free. Details from Wendy Molyneux, 01925-442732.
Woman missing
for six months
by staff reporter
POLICE have renewed an appeal for information about a Warrington woman who has been missing since August.
Sara Kershaw, aged 61, from Culcheth has not been seen since August 26.
She is described as being 5ft 1 inches tall and of petite build.
When last seen she was wearing black trousers and a navy blue jacket.
