Bird ‘flu warning from
public health watchdogs
by Terry Johnson
PUBLIC health watchdogs at Warrington have sounded a ?first alert? about the spread of Avian Flu.
Non-commercial poultry keepers and hobby bird keepers with outdoor aviaries are invited to register with the borough environmental health team – to keep them advised about spread of the mutant virus.
People keeping caged birds indoors need not register.
A council spokesman said: “Those who register will be sent information and advice on separating domestic birds from wild birds and action to be taken should an outbreak occur”.
Poultry keepers and outdoor aviary enthusiasts can register on 01925-442599 or by completing the on-line form on www.warrington.gov.uk/birdflu
The government department for animal welfare is advising people to contact its helpline(08459 33 55 77) if they find one or more dead swans, ducks or geese; more than three dead birds of the same species or more than five dead birds of any kind in the same place.
Local watchdogs are working with farming and commercial poultry businesses and allotment holders. This is now being extended to non-commercial keepers of poultry and outdoor aviary birds.
Hayley battles back
from eating disorder
by Gary Skentelbery
A YOUNG mum has battled back from an eating disorder and is now looking to re-launch her modelling career.
Hayley Lippett, aged 24, has shed six stone since the birth of her two-year-old son Aaron, coming down from a size 20 dress size to 10 and is now also studying criminology and psychology on an Open University course.
For many years she battled with bulimia as she strove for the “perfect look” but now thanks to counselling and help groups she has come to terms with her condition.
She has now regained her confidence and is looking to relaunch her modelling career which she first started as a teenager.
“There are a lot of young girls out there with eating disorders because of the images portrayed in the media,” said Hayley from Houghton Green near Warrington. “I can now point out a girl who has an eating disorder.
“I don’t think the condition ever leaves you, you just have to learn how to eat a healthy balanced diet.
“I had to recover for the sake of my child and with the right help it can be done.”
Hayley has previously danced as a cheerleader with the Warrington Wolves Starlights and has more recently started dancing again at the Pyramid arts centre.
She now hopes to get back in to modelling with a new portfolio and plans one day to have a career in the police investigating murder scenes and suspicious deaths!
Six accidents in two
weeks at crossroads
by David Skentelbery
SIX accidents occurred at the Jolly Thresher traffic lights at Broomedge, Lymm near Warrington, within the space of two weeks – some requiring the attendance of police, fire and ambulance.
Just before Christmas there was an earlier spate of four in a week, although some were not reported to police.
Now Lymm councillor Ian Marks has raised the issued with the borough council.
He said: “The problem is caused by speeding on both the roads at the crossroads but particularly on the main Warrington-Altrincham road.
“Apart from dangers to drivers, there is also a risk to pedestrians who are visiting the pub, shop or offices in the area or waiting at the bus stop.
Drivers sometimes come through at 80mph. There is also damage to property and the wall at a house by the lights is currently down.
“I have asked for speed limits to be looked at before. The response has been that ‘criteria’ have not been met. However in view of the apparently escalating problem, I think the situation should be reviewed again.
“Residents are asking whether we have to wait for a fatality before anything is done.”
Free bus travel for
town’s over-60s
by Terry Johnson
FREE bus travel or a National Senior Rail Card will be extended to people aged 60-plus in Warrington from April 1.
The travel concession can be taken up by Warrington residents aged 60 and others who qualify because of a disability.
Free fare travel on buses covers the period 9.30am-11.30pm, all day at week-ends and Bank Holidays.
Senior Citizens travelling before 9.30am, Monday-Friday, will be charged half-fare.
Environment spokesman, Coun Jeff Richards, said: “The council is committed to improving public transport for everyone. Benefits like fares concessions will shortly be complimented by other schemes – including the multi-million ? new bus station, due to open early summer”.
Existing bus users do not need to change their current half-fare pass to benefit from the new concession.
The travel pass hotline to new applicants is 01925-442297.
History beneath
our Feet exhibition
by Gary Skentelbery
AMAZING treasures recovered from ancient settlements by Warrington based archaeologist and presenter James Balme are to go on public display in Lymm village at a special exhibition.
The exhibition entitled ‘ History Beneath our Feet’ signals the start of a series of live exhibitions and presentations that James will be giving around the region throughout 2006. The event at Lymm village hall on Saturday April 8 is the first of its kind to be held in the area.
James said: ‘ I give many live presentations of my work to groups and societies around the region on a regular basis but I feel that it is now time to give members of the public the chance to come and see the history that surrounds them. For this reason I have decided to put together a series of exhibitions which will allow people to come and take a look at what has been uncovered during my research and investigations in the area.”
People attending the exhibition will also be able to watch a series of film features about the discoveries at the exhibition which is from 11am – 4pm. Admission is free.
As well as the exhibition itself visitors will be able to bring any artefacts along with them on the day for James and his team to examine and identify.
He added: ‘ My work has produced many interesting and exciting finds of ancient artefacts over the years and these will all be on display on the day but I also encourage anyone who thinks that they may have found something of interest to bring them along and we will try our best to date and identify them. Who knows what new information this could provide for future research into the activities of our ancient ancestors.’
Anyone who is interested in attending the exhibition but can’t wait to see some of the artefacts that will be on display on the day can visit the official UK website www.jamesbalme.co.uk where information about his finds can be found. If you would like to contact James regarding something you may have found but are not sure what it is then he can be reached by e-mail [email protected]
Car torched on
pub car park
by John Hendon
POLICE are investigating after thugs set fire to a car on the car park of a Warrington pub.
The arson attack was at the Spa Brook public house at Orford in the early hours of the morning.
Fire crews raced to the scene but the car was completed burned out before they could get there.
A Fire Service spokesman said: “Whoever was responsible smashed the windscreen and poured petrol inside the car before starting the fire. It was a particularly malicious offence.”
Police are appealing for witnesses to come forward.
A spokesman said: “We would like to hear from anyone who saw anything suspicious in or around the pub car park.”
Cabaret night raises
?1,000 for NSPCC
by staff reporter
A fund-raising cabaret night organised by two old school friends helped raise more than ?1,00
0 for childrens charity the NSPCC.
Dave McElroy and Graham Brinksman, who both attended Bewsey High School “many moons ago” organised the event at the Tetley Walker Club involving the Mear Katz, Mel Russell, Kathy Ford and the Carl Clayton disco.
Money was raised from a raffle and ticket sales. Dave and Graham organise events on a regular basis and would like to say a “big thank you” to all those who attended the event. They presented the proceeds to NSPCC Chairman Peter Laycock (pictured above) and NSPCC Childcare workers Clare Keefe and Angela Harrison at the charity’s base in Henry Street.
The Warrington branch raised more than ?8,500 last year with a total expenditure across Cheshire of ?1.8m. They offer services across the county working with families which have suffered domestic violence.
The NSPCC can be contacted on 0808 8005000.
Charity event
raised ?300
MORE than ?300 was raised by a charity event in Warrington to help The Relationships Centre’s work in the community to reduce violence against women and girls.
The charity offers advice, emotional support, counselling and resource to people affected by violent, abusive or unhealthy relationships.
