Ousted schools chief
fires a salvo at rival
by David Skentelbery
OUSTED education chief Colin Froggatt has lost no time in firing a salvo at his successor following the change of political control at Warrington Town Hall.
Coun Froggatt ? who was Labour?s executive member for children?s services ? raised the controversial issue of Stockton Heath Primary School at the first meeting of the new Lib Dem-Tory controlled executive board.
Pointing out that the Liberal Democrats preferred ?new build? and demolition of the existing building, while the Conservatives thought refurbishment of the present building was preferable, he asked how the ?political Axis? proposed to reconcile their differences.
He also wanted to know what the executive board?s intention would be ? and whether the ?axis? intended to stay within the policies of the council on the issue.
Coun Sheila Woodyatt, new executive member for children?s services, said the board would follow on from work previously authorised to be carried out and evaluate options and then consider them in detail before publishing proposals.
She said the board would give consideration to all information that had been received and then make a decision in the best interest of children in Stockton Heath, having regard to the ?every child matters? policies.
The budget issue would be fully considered with the intention of building on and improving the work of the past, she added.
Planning chiefs have already refused permission for the demolition of the century-old school to make way for new buildings after hearing of a 5,000 strong petition signed by residents who want to see the existing school modernised but retained.
But campaigners opposed to the demolition claim council chiefs are still intent on demolition, despite the views of local people.
?15m office buildings
boost for Birchwood
TWO new office buildings costing ?15 million have been given the go ahead at Bridgewater Place, Birchwood Park, Warrington.
The two speculative office blocks are now under construction and should be completed by spring next year.
It represents one of the largest speculative office schemes in the North West, and the new phase will add another 79,000 sq ft to MEPC Birchwood Park’s total stock of new and secondary office space.
It is a high-profile site on one of the busiest routes through the Birchwood area.
The development continues the park’s extension and follows last year’s letting to the Department of Work and Pensions – which marked the largest letting in Warrington.
Jonathan Walsh, managing director of Birchwood Park, said that ultimately five new buildings totalling 200,000 sq ft will be available, increasing Warrington’s relocation attractions to regional and national companies.
“As the DWP relocation here demonstrated, Warrington still has great ‘pulling power’ and provided that suitable buildings are available, we will continue to secure these public and private sector occupiers.
A letting of that size so early in the first phase of development confirms that,” he said.
He said that the site has become more important following then delays in the OMEGA project.
He said there are more than 100 companies on site with more than 3,750 staff.
Jonathan said that Bridgewater Place is part of a ?60 million programme of refurbishment, redevelopment and new development, which has been rolling out over the past six years to create 368,000 sq ft of new space and the refurbishment of over 200,000 sq ft of existing accommodation.
Disabled may be losing
out on allowances
by Mark Hemmings
PEOPLE in Warrington with disabilities could be missing out on allowances from the Government to which they are entitled.
Take-up of Attendance Allowance for over 65s with a severe disability is the lowest in the North West at just 19 per cent of all pensioners, compared to 28 per cent in Knowsley and more than 24 per cent in neighbouring Halton.
Warrington Borough Council’s Strategic Director of Community Services, Helen Sumner said: “Our analysis suggests that many of the elderly population in Warrington may not be claiming the benefits to which they are entitled.”
?This not only affects their capability to afford the care support they need but also reduces the amount the council gets from central government to provide community care services. I would urge people with disabilities to check whether they should be receiving these allowances – support to which they are fully entitled.”
Attendance Allowance is available to over 65s who need help with personal care. The weekly allowance is ?41.65 for help during the day and ?62.25 for support both day and night. The amounts are not affected by any savings, any money coming in, and are tax-free.
Disability Living Allowance is available to those under the age of 65 who have a severe disability and need help with personal care and getting around.
Anyone who thinks they may be eligible for Attendance or Disability Living Allowance should call the council?s community and pensions line on 01925 444017 or the benefit enquiry line on 0800 882200. People with speech or hearing problems using a textphone should dial 0800 243355.
Ghost hunting – and shopping
– raised money for charity
by Lesley Wilkinson
A DAY out hunting ghosts and shopping organised by Travel and Tourism students at Priestley College, Warrington, raised ?250 for charity.
The money raised will go towards Alder Hey Children’s Hospital’s Imagine Appeal – which takes its name from the John Lennon song and aims to support vital work at the hospital.
As part of their coursework the students had to organise and manage an excursion as if they were in a “real life” employment setting.
They decided to organise the day out in York, which included a tour of the historic city, ghost hunt and time for shopping. Guests enjoyed their day out and also helped raise the money for charity.
Course tutor Carol Chan said: “The students really did apply themselves to the tasks in hand and the results are clear to see. We are sure that our own contribution to Alder Hey can in some way help them in the fantastic work that they continue to do.”
Car fire
FIRE crews were called to an alleyway at the rear of Grafton Street, Warrington early today after a car was found in flames.
The car was well alight when fire engines reached the scene and a Fire Service spokesman said it had clearly been set alight deliberately. Police are investigating.
Earlier, firefighters were called to a house in Trafford Avenue, Bewsey, Warrington, when fire broke out in the kitchen.
A spokesman said the fire involved a quantity of almonds which the householder had been roasting on the cooker.
News in brief
Hospital lottery
THERE was no winner in the weekly lottery run by the League of Friends of Warrington Hospital. Winning numbers were 3, 6, 10, 11. Next week there will be an estimated rollover jackpot prize of ?400. The ?25 consolation prize was won by Brenda.
Kitchen fire
FIRE crews were called to Bewsey Primary School, Lodge Lane, Bewsey, Warrington when fire broke out in the kitchen. But staff used an extinguisher to tackle the blaze which was out by the time firefighters reached the scene.
Speed warnings
THE Community Speed Watch scheme at Croft, near Warrington caught 110 motorists exceeding the speed limit in a six week period. They have been sent warning letters by the police.
Boot sale
A CAR Boot sale is being held at Croft Playing Field, Croft near Warrington on Bank Holiday Monday May 29. The event is being organised by Croft Bowling Association and will start at 7am. Places must be booked in advance on 01925 763075.
