Robbers left half of
?1 million cash behind
by David Skentelbery
THE robbers who used a stolen tractor and lorry to smash their way into a security van at Woolston, near Warrington, left most of the money behind.
It is understood the van contained almost ?1 million – but the masked raiders got away with only about ?500,000.
Police today released more details of the vehicles used in the raid on the Securitas.
They had been stolen 24 hours previously in Yorkshire and detectives are anxious to speak with anyone who saw any of them in the period leading up to the robbery at Rufford Court, Hardwick Grange, on the Grange Industrial Estate.
Several streel boxes of cash were stolen after two men wearing balaclavas smashed their way into the van after trapping it between a lorry and a farm tractor.
The drivers were unhurt but were badly shaken by the incident.
The security van was travelling behind a white Volvo V60 flat-back lorry which stopped at a giveway sign. It was then rammed from behind by a red, Massey Ferguson tractor.
A Volvo V40 car, now known to have been stolen from the Tinshill area of Leeds, was used in the getaway but was abandoned about a mile away. Police say a dark coloured Audi estate car seen in the Battery Lane area of Woolston might have also been used in the getaway.
The tractor and Volvo lorry were stolen together from Wilberfoss, in East Yorkshire , just off the A1079 and A64. The lorry was used to carry the tractor away from the scene.
Detectives say they are anxious to speak to anyone who may have seen a red tractor being carried on a white, flat back lorry between 9pm on Tuesday, March 7 and 8.30pm on Wednesday.
Det Chief Insp Judi Heaton said: “A Securitas van with two occupants in it was driving along the road when a flatback Volvo lorry pulled out from the kerb in front of them at the junction.
“The van stopped behind it and from behind they were rammed by a tractor that wedged the van in between the two vehicles.
“Two men jumped out of the truck in front, wearing balaclavas and dark clothing. They were both about 5ft 8in.” She said the men then attacked the van using crowbars, stole the money and then made off on foot.
Detectives described the raid as “a carefully planned and well executed operation”.
Anyone who can help police is asked to call 01244 614893 or the confidential Crimestoppers line 0800 555111.
Language students’ work
experience in Germany
by staff reporter
THREE languages students from Warrington?s Priestley College have just returned from work experience in Germany, where they were employed in a range of different business settings.
Sunil Mistry, Joe Whittington and Lydia Quinn are currently completing mock examinations and the trip gave them a confidence boost at an important time of the year.
The 17-year-olds went their own ways, with Sunil and Joe based in Koblenz where they worked in a restaurant and book shop respectively, while Lydia worked in an art gallery in Aachen.
They were all fully immersed in the local communities which gave them the ideal opportunity to speak the language they have been studying for nearly two years.
Sunil said: “The German adventure was one of the best experiences of my life. Having learned about the country for so long it was great to visit and we were made to feel more than at home.”
Joe, who was completing his second trip to Germany, added: “Being based in Koblenz was brilliant with lots to do once work had finished and I feel my speaking skills have greatly benefited as a result.”
Wolves help kick-off
quit smoking campaign
by John Hendon
ANTI-smoking campaigners from across Warrington met at Wolves? Halliwell Jones Stadium to share ideas on how to persuade smokers to quit the habit.
The meeting was part of National No Smoking Day activities and highlighted the work already being done by the town?s Stop Smoking Service.
Wolves are leading the way by being one of the first sports stadiums in the North West to go smoke free.
Dr Rita Robertson, Warrington Primary Care Trust?s director of public health, said: ?It?s great that so many smokers out there are determined to stop. There?s a lot of help and support for anyone who needs it. Our free local NHS stop smoking service can increase the chance of success by up to four times.?
A six to eight week programme of one-to-one support or group sessions, Warrington Stop Smoking Service can be accessed in venues across the town, including some pharmacies. Nearly three out of five people who use the service successfully quit.
Warrington Stop Smoking Service can be contacted on 01925 843713, or by emailing [email protected]
No Smoking Day was part of the five week ?Big Quit? campaign which is designed to help people to quit the habit.
Joseph is a knight
of the chessboard
by Mark Hemmings
TEN year old Joseph Parry from Woolston has been proving that he is quite a force to be reckoned with when it comes to moving pieces around a chess board, and after only 6 weeks of competitive playing picked up more than his fair share of glory!
At the Lancashire Chess Association Junior Congress, in Bolton, Joseph who is a member of Grappenhall Chess Club, came out on top as he won the Knight section of the competition on the day.
“The Knight section is like being third in the football premiership. It wasn’t as hard as I thought it would be to do well. I played against one girl who made a few silly moves and lost the game,” explained Joseph.
Joseph’s mother, Julie Parry said, “His friend’s parents kept telling us he had a talent for chess. After this early win in his playing career we can see what they mean now!”
Pyramid plays host
to “Fame” students
by staff reporter
WARRINGTON?S Pyramid arts centre is to play host to final year students from the Liverpool Institution of Performing Arts (LIPA) on Friday March 24 in a unique performance full of varied dance styles.
?Breaking Out? is a professionally choreographed show that the producers claim ?stimulates the passions and emotions? of all audiences.
A spokesperson for LIPA said: “Our young dance department has already developed into a major force for the education of young dancers that equals many long-established institutions. Its ethos is to offer a programme that embraces a wide range of dance experiences and styles.”
Pyramids Iga Kowalska said: “This is set to be an exciting night of dance, choreographed by big names in the industry.”
School and college workshops are available including a chance to perform alongside the LIPA cast on the night.
To book a place at a workshop contact Kirsty at Pyramid on 01925 442 345.
Tickets are ?5 each and the show starts at 7.30pm.
White goods company
is “one to watch”
by business staff
WARRINGTON-based white goods company Premium Appliance Brands has been named as one of 50 British companies to watch this year, by national business magazine Real Business.
It?s the third award for PAB in recent months. Previously it was named named Start-up Business of the Year in the Warrington Business Awards and it also received a commendation in the Kitchen Designer Manufacturers Awards 2005.
The company?s success is mirrored in its rapid expansion. In just three years, PAB has grown to 23 staff and has doubled its turnover every year since its launch.
It aims to establish itself as one of the UK’s leading appliance suppliers and maintain its growth through investment in new product lines and by continuing to add value through innovative design.
Established in December 2002, by Guy Weaver and Peter Brazier, PAB is a ?virtual? manufacturer of major kitchen appliances such as built-in and free-standing ovens, hobs, dishwas
hers, laundry and American-style fridge freezers.
PAB designs and sources unique product ranges for individual trade customers with the aim of helping retailers to increase sales and profit. The company is fast becoming one of the major contenders in the own-label market, and sees enormous potential for growth.
The company also imports the upmarket ATAG, White-Westinghouse and Homark brands and distribute them within the UK.
