Worst week in living
memory as Labour
lose control!
by Gary Skentelbery
LABOUR lost over-all control of Warrington Borough Council last night (Thursday) as the Liberal Democrats made four significant gains – which left Labour as the largest party by the narrowest of margins of just one!
Party workers blamed “the worst week in living memory” on the national scene for losing four seats to the Lib Dems. Labour ? who have controlled the borough council since 1983 lost crucial seats in Poulton North and Poulton South, as well as Great Sankey South and Westbrook.
Labour remain the largest single party with 26, followed by the Lib Dems on 25 and the Tories, who held on to the two seats they were defending in Penketh and Culcheth and Glazebury, with six.
One notable casualty was Mayoress Karen Mundry who lost her Poulton South seat to Iona Gillis from the Lib Dems.
A delighted Lib Dem leader Ian Marks said his party had won the key seats they had targeted. He was particularly pleased that a “dirty tricks” campaign involving offensive leaflets put out by Labour, in particular in Sankey South, had failed to sway voters.
“I am proud to say we fought a clean campaign and nothing was below the belt. It shows the electorate can not be misled by misleading and offensive leaflets.”
He said the Lib Dems would continue to work for the people, hinting he would be prepared to work with either Labour or Conservative colleagues if it was for the benefit of the electorate. “We want what is best for the people of Warrington.”
Labour agent Brian Simpson, the former Euro MP who once represented Penketh attempted to put on a brave face, but confessed the last week on the national scene, had been the worst for Labour “in living memory.”
He added: “We have put in a lot of hard work and our vote has held up well in our key areas. We will now have to bounce back next year and it is pleasing that we are still the largest overall party on the council.
“It is also worth noting that the Tories have made no gains and little impact,” he added.
The results were as follows:
Appleton: Peter Carey (Lab) 199, Paul Kennedy (Cons)1015, Judith Walker (Lib-Dem)2341.
Bewsey and Whitecross: John Mulhall (Ind)117, Robert Timmis (Lib-Dem)425, William Woodyatt (Cons)226, Patricia Wright (Lab)764.
Birchwood: Jill Bolton (Lab)1084, Phil Chadwick (Lib-Dem)540, Christine Rankin (Cons)822.
Culcheth and Glazebury: Constance Cummerson (Lib-Dem)732, Les Hoyle (Cons)1883, Anthony McCarthy (Lab)630.
Fairfield and Howley:Mike Hughes (CAP)413, William Jackson (Lib-Dem)441, Paul Kenny (Lab)937, Vida Lambert (Cons)262.
Grappenhall and Thelwall: Mike Biggin (Lib-Dem)2049, Sonia Boggan (Cons)720, Christopher Bolton (Lab)234, Thomas Forster (Cons)575, Michael Jackson (Green)223, Wendy Johnson (Lib-Dem)2036, Joanne Losh (Lab)223.
Great Sankey North: John Critchley (Cons)324, Stephanie Davies (Green)112, Les Street (Lab)314, Trudi Wood (Lib-Dem)894.
Great Sankey South:Kevin Bennett (Lab)890, Christine Pathmarajah (Cons)487, James Regan (Lib-Dem)1014.
Latchford East: Julian Craddock (Cons)128, Lyndsey McAteer (Green)73, Edwin Sloane (Lib-Dem)401, Stephen Wright (Lab)1,018.
Latchford West: Gwyneth Craddock (Cons)168, Colin Grime (Lab)373, George Welborn (Lib-Dem)1325.
Lymm: Philip Bachmayer (Con)1393, Robert Barr (Lib-Dem)2117, Chris Fitzsimmons (Lab)270, Kenneth Wilson (Green)138.
Orford Brian Carty LD 593, Terry Whelan (Lab) 869, David Whitehouse (Green)218
Penketh and Cuerdley: Fiona Bruce (Cons)1421, David Keane (Lab)911, Alfred Roberts (Lib-Dem)382.
Poplars and Hulme: Joan Hall (Lib-Dem)417, John Kerr-Brown (Lab)921, Brian Lambert (Cons)276.
Poulton North: Mick Curran (Lab)859, Lilian Houghton (Cons)421, Scott Wilson (Lib-Dem)1021.
Poulton South: Valerie Allen (Cons)398, Iona Gillis (Lib-Dem),759 John Kirkham (UKIP)132, Karen Mundry (Lab)633.
Rixton and Woolston: William Brinksman (Lab),985 Paul Campbell (Cons)811, Edgar Davies (Lib-Dem)496.
Westbrook: Peter Hamel (Lab)434, John Long (Lib-Dem),731 Stephen Pathmarajah (Cons)280.
Whittle Hall: Keith Gleave (Lib-Dem)1173, Kelly Simcock (Lab)604.
Theatre company scoops
two regional awards
by Mark Hemmings
IT was champagne all round, as Warrington-based Centenary Theatre Company scooped two awards at the annual National Operatic and Dramatic Association North West awards ceremony in Blackpool.
Jane Rigby from Grappenhall, won this year’s award for best actress in a drama for her performance as Sheila Wendice in the play “Dial M for Murder”.
It was her first leading role in a play following a return to the Warrington theatre company in 2005.
She said: “It was a great play to be involved with. I never thought for a minute that I would be nominated for the award. That in itself was enough, but to win as well is even more special”
Centenary also received the award for best programme for a drama, again for “Dial M for Murder”.
Sheila Cummins, from Stockton Heath, who directed the play, received the award on the night.
A spokesman said: “The company continues to go from strength to strength. Receiving nominations for 10 awards this year was a record for us and winning two of them proves that we are presenting productions of quality across the board.”
Centenary’s next production is “Guys and Dolls” which is being staged at Runcorn’s, Brindley Theatre from May 16-20. For tickets contact the box office on 0151 907 8360.
Train services hit as
thieves steal cabling
by David Skentelbery
TRAIN services have been seriously disrupted on two successive nights after thieves attempted to steal copper cabling from the trackside at Warrington.
The thieves – who struck at Winwick Junction on the Warrington-Earlestown line on both occasions – risked their lives by cutting through the cable.
They also put the lives of passengers and railway staff at risk by disabling signalling.
There was widespread disruption of the rail network with more than 100 trains delayed over the two nights.
Sgt Andy Tompkins, of British Transport Police, said: “These people are putting themselves in danger by physically being on or near to the railway lines and risking serious injury by cutting cables without knowing if they carry a charge.
“The safety of passengers and rail staff is also potentially at risk if power supply is cut to the rail network.”
More than 200 ft of cable was stolen in the first raid, causing delays to 46 trains on the Warrington-Earlestown line and subsequent disruption of services on the West Coast Main Line.
Police were called to same spot the following night when nearby residents heard voices and went to investigate. It is believed the thieves fled on foot in the direction of Earlestown.
No cable was stolen, but it had been severed, cutting off power and causing six hours of delays affected 59 trains on the Warrington-Earlestown line and other lines.
Sgt Tomkins said. “The second incident has occurred in almost exactly the same location as the previous night. We need local residents to come forward with any information that may assist the enquiry.
“I would also appeal to people who live near to the railway lines to be vigilant. Large amounts of cable are not easy to transport, and if you do see anything suspicious you should contact the police immediately.”
Anyone with information should contact British Transport Police on 0800 405040 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800555111.
Town centre nightclub to
host Christian charity
by Lesley Wilkinson
A WARRINGTON nightclub is hosting a Christian charity event aimed at counteracting the image of “yob culture” associated with young people.
Mr Smiths, the town?s biggest nightspot, is opening its doors fo
r a social event entitled “Soar,” being organised by Warrington Youth For Christ.
Thea Hall, senior staff worker with Youth for Christ, said: “It is the first event of its kind in a town centre nightclub.
“I have read several articles in the press over the last few weeks about the ever increasing yob culture in Warrington. This pioneering event organised by ourselves on Wednesday (May 10), will be a positive activity for the young people of Warrington to get involved in.?
She said the event is aimed at making people realise that Christianity is relevant and exciting for today’s youth.
The event is from 7pm to 9.30pm. It features DJ Lee Jackson, Andy Flan, national worship leader, Yfriday, a rock/pop band, and “wise words” from Mark Richie.
Tickets, available on 01925 240862, are ?3.30 in advance or ?5 on the door.
Bikers celebrate
10th anniversary
by staff reporter
KINGS of the road will be roaring up to The Ferry Tavern in Penketh on July 1, as Warrington’s Harley Davidson Club host a special Bike Show to celebrate their 10th anniversary. All monies raised from the event will go to The Tim Parry Johnathan Ball Trust.
Wendy Parry, trustee for the charity said: “There will be a prize for the best bike and all types of bikes are welcome. Other attractions planned include, a hog roast, live music and a late bar selling real ale.
?This will be a great day for all the family and will help to raise money for a local charity.”
Older people’s group
elects new committee
by staff reporter
IT’S all change in the Warrington Older People’s Engagement Group as a new committee has been elected to lead the organisation into the next 12 months.
Eileen Fitzgerald of Penketh has been voted in as chairman, Jean Stringer of Rixton is vice chairman, Jean Bullock of Appleton is treasurer and Tom Senior of Bewsey is secretary.
Tom Senior said: “OPEG aims to promote the benefit and social inclusion of older people and their organisations. We are not a political or religious group and concern ourselves mainly with issues dealing with the quality of life, health and well being of Warrington residents aged 50 and over.”
For more information about OPEG telephone 01925 453614.
News in brief
Hospital lottery
WINNING numbers in the weekly lottery run by the League of Friends of Warrington hospital were 1, 4, 6 and 13. The ?229 jackpot went to one winner and the ?25 consolation prize went to Mrs Higham. Next week’s jackpot is expected to be around ?200.
Site visit
PLANNERS are to visit a shop at the corner of London Road and East Avenue, Stockton Heath, Warrington, before deciding whether to allow a proposal to change it into an estate agent’s office.
Pub prowl
MEMBERS of Warrington Archaeological and Historical Society have organised a “pub prowl” on Sunday, June 25 as part of its summer walks programme. The walk starts outside The Academy in Bridge Street at 2.30pm.
New front
PLANS for a new frontage, including new windows and canopy, at Brannigan’s, Friars Gate, Warrington, have been given the all-clear by borough council planners.
